When first faced with hearing loss, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed and unsure of how life will ever be normal again. However, living with hearing loss doesn't have to be a challenge. Thanks to modern advancements in hearing technology, there are plenty of assisted hearing solutions available to help you overcome the daily difficulties that come with hearing loss. While the most common solutions include hearing aids and cochlear implants, some people require a little extra help in harsh listening settings.
Even while using hearing aids, some people have difficulty interpreting speech in noisy environments. Assisted hearing devices or hearing assistive technology are extra equipment that can help in these challenging conditions. Keep reading to learn about the types of hearing assistive technology and examples to help you decide which of the options is the best fit for you.
Aside from noise, distance and the environment impact hearing abilities. The further the microphones on your hearing impairment device are from what you want to hear, the less likely you will hear and comprehend it. Open spaces, bare walls and floors, and high ceilings are all factors that contribute to poor acoustic conditions.
Hearing technology includes any devices to help hearing-impaired users comprehend voice, speech, or language. More and more devices are becoming accessible as digital and wireless technologies advance, allowing those with hearing, voice, speech, and language problems to communicate more effectively and engage fully in their everyday lives. Hearing assistive technology (HAT) can significantly enhance the lives of those who suffer from hearing loss by delivering sound straight to users' ears, bypassing difficult acoustics. These hard-of-hearing devices can help people hear in noisy or crowded environments and be used with or without cochlear implants or hearing aids.
Assistive technology for hearing-impaired users is referred to by several names. Let’s go over the three main types of hearing assistive technologies.
ALDs (assistive listening devices) are assistive technology for hearing loss that helps you hear by amplifying the sounds you want to hear, especially if there is a lot of background noise. ALDs can be used in conjunction with a hearing aid or cochlear implant.
People with communication disorders can use augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices to express themselves. A basic graphic board to a computer application synthesizing voice from text are examples of these devices.
Alerting devices generate a loud sound or blinking light to notify someone with hearing loss. Common examples include alarm clocks, phones, doorbells, and even baby monitors to let hard-of-hearing parents know their baby is crying.
Here are a few common examples of assistive hearing devices and how they work so you can make the right choice for yourself or a loved one.
A Frequency Modulation (FM) System is similar to a small radio station that broadcasts on its own frequency. There are two aspects to an FM system. One component is a microphone worn by the speaker. A signal is sent from the microphone to a receiver. This directs the speaker's voice, making it easier to understand. The receiver is worn behind the ears or in hearing aids. The transmitter may be integrated into a sound system that currently exists. These systems are typically seen in schools and other public gathering spaces like conference halls and churches.
Sound is transmitted via infrared light in infrared systems. A transmitter turns sound into a light signal, which is then sent to a listener's receiver. People with hearing aids or cochlear implants with a telecoil may also wear a neck loop or silhouette inductor, converting the infrared signal into a magnetic signal that can be picked up by their telecoil, much as they do with FM systems.
Infrared signals cannot travel through walls, making it particularly beneficial in places where competing signals might be a concern, such as schools or movie theaters. On the other hand, infrared systems cannot be employed in locations where there are a lot of competing light sources, such as outdoors or in brightly lit rooms.
Many hearing aids are compatible with induction loop devices. The loop wire is hidden beneath the carpet or hung from the ceiling. A microphone is connected to the cable. An electrical current flows across the wire when someone speaks into the microphone. An electromagnetic field is created in the room as a result of this, and the signal is picked up by the hearing aid.
This assisted hearing device can be used in various situations thanks to its convenient size (imagine the size of your average cell phone). As the name suggests, this device amplifies sound levels while decreasing background noise. Commonly used for watching TV or while driving in a car, this device’s flexibility makes it a popular choice. The increased sound is processed by a receiver, either in the form of earbuds or a headset.
There are two components to this type of hearing technology: a processor placed on the outside of the ear and one surgically implanted. The external processor directs sound to be received by the surgically implanted component and vibrates the cochlea’s membrane. These types of implants are ideal for those suffering from sensorineural or conductive hearing loss.
The world of assisted hearing can seem daunting at first, and asking for hearing assistance can be hard, but the reality is that there are lots of options out there to suit any level of hearing loss and that can match any lifestyle. EarPros is a group of experts that are passionate about hearing health. Our mission is to teach individuals about hearing health and provide access to the resources and information they need to maintain and improve their hearing. Whether you need a free consultation with a licensed professional or you need help selecting the best hearing aids to match your lifestyle, get in touch with us and start your journey to better hearing today.
