Do you know what a cyborg is? You likely imagine a half human, half machine when you think about cyborgs, especially if you enjoy science fiction movies (the human condition is frequently cleverly depicted with these characters). Hollywood cyborgs can seem extremely bizarre.
But in reality, someone wearing something as simple as a pair of glasses could be considered a cyborg. After all, biology has been enhanced with technology.
These technologies typically add to the human experience. So, if you’re using an assistive listening device, like a hearing aid, you’re the coolest kind of cyborg anywhere. And there’s a lot more technology where that comes from.
Hearing loss drawbacks
There are absolutely some negative aspects that come with hearing loss.
It’s difficult to follow the plot when you go see a movie. Understanding your grandkids is even harder (some of that is due to the age-gap, but mostly, it’s hearing loss). And this can impact your life in extremely profound (often negative) ways.
Left unchecked, the world can get pretty quiet. That’s where technology plays a role.
How can technology alleviate hearing loss?
Generally speaking, technology that helps you hear better is lumped into the category of “assistive listening devices”. Ok, it does sound a bit technical! You may be thinking: what are assistive listening devices? Where can I get assistive listening devices? Are there challenges to using assistive listening devices?
These questions are all normal.
Usually, hearing aids are what we think of when we consider hearing aid technology. Because hearing aids are a crucial part of managing hearing loss, that’s reasonable. But hearing aids aren’t the only type of assistive hearing device. And you will be able to enjoy the world around you more when you properly use these devices.
What types of assistive listening devices are there?
Induction loops
Induction loops, also known as hearing loops, utilize technology that sounds quite complex. This is what you need to understand: people with hearing aids can hear more clearly in locations with a hearing loop which are usually well marked with signage.
A speaker will sound more clear due to the magnetic fields in a hearing loop. Here are some examples of when an induction loop can be helpful:
- Places with bad acoustic qualities like echoes.
- Events that rely on amplified sound (like presentations or even movies).
- Venues that tend to be loud (such as waiting rooms or hotel lobbies).
FM systems
An FM hearing assistance system works a lot like a radio or a walkie-talkie. A transmitter, usually a speaker or microphone, and a receiver, like a hearing aid, are needed for this kind of system to function. FM systems are great for:
- Whenever it’s hard to hear because of a noisy environment.
- Anybody who wants to listen to sound systems that use amplification (this includes things like a speaker during a presentation or dialogue during a movie).
- Education situations, including classrooms or conferences.
- Courtrooms and other government or civil buildings.
Infrared systems
There are similarities between an infrared system and an FM system. It’s composed of a receiver and an amplifier. Typically, the receiver is worn around the neck with an IR system. Here are some examples where IR systems can be useful:
- People who have cochlear implants or hearing aids.
- Indoor settings. IR systems are frequently effected by strong sunlight. Consequently, indoor settings are generally the best ones for this sort of technology.
- When you’re listening to one main person speaking.
Personal amplifiers
Personal amplifiers are like less specialized and less robust versions of a hearing aid. They’re generally composed of a microphone and a speaker. The microphone detects sounds and amplifies them through a speaker. Personal amplifiers might seem like a tricky option since they come in various styles and types.
- You need to be careful, though, these devices can expedite the decline of your hearing, particularly if you aren’t careful. (You’re essentially putting a super loud speaker right inside of your ear, after all.)
- For best outcomes, speak with us before using personal amplifiers of any kind.
- These devices are good for individuals who have very minor hearing loss or only require amplification in select situations.
Amplified phones
Phones and hearing aids don’t always get along very well. Sometimes you have feedback, sometimes things get a little garbled, sometimes you can’t get the volume quite right.
Amplified phones are a solution. These devices allow you to have control of the volume of the phone’s speaker, so you can make it as loud or quiet as you want, depending on the circumstance. Here are some things that these devices are good for:
- When somebody has trouble hearing phone conversations but hears fine in other situations.
- People who don’t have Bluetooth enabled devices, like their phone or their hearing aid.
- Families where the phone is used by multiple people.
Alerting devices
When something is going on, these devices (sometimes called signalers or notification devices) use loud noises, vibrations, and blinking lights to get your attention. For example, when the doorbell dings, the phone rings, or the microwave bings. So when something around your workplace or home needs your attention, even without your hearing aids, you’ll be conscious of it.
Alerting devices are a good solution for:
- When alarm sounds such as a smoke detector could lead to a hazardous situation.
- When in the office or at home.
- People who intermittently take off their hearing aids (everyone needs a break sometimes).
- Anybody whose hearing is completely or almost completely gone.
Telecoils
So the connection (sometimes frustrating) between your hearing aid and phone comes to the front. When you hold a speaker up to another speaker, it creates feedback (sometimes painful feedback). This is essentially what occurs when you hold a phone speaker close to a hearing aid.
That connection can be bypassed by a telecoil. You will be capable of hearing all of your calls without feedback as your telecoil connects your hearing aid directly to your phone. They’re great for:
- Anybody who frequently talks on the phone.
- Anyone who isn’t connected to Bluetooth in any way.
- Anyone who uses hearing aids.
Captioning
These days, it has become rather commonplace for people to use captions and subtitles to enjoy media. Everyone uses captions! Why? Because they make it a little easier to understand what you’re watching.
When you’re dealing with hearing loss, captions can work in conjunction with your hearing aids, helping you understand mumbled dialogue or making sure you can follow your favorite show even when there’s distracting conversation nearby.
The rewards of using assistive listening devices
So where can you buy assistive listening devices? That’s a good question because it means you’ve acknowledged how all of these technologies can be advantageous to people with hearing loss.
To be sure, not every strategy is right for every person. For instance, you may not need an amplifier if you have a phone with reliable volume control. A telecoil might not even work for you if you don’t have the right kind of hearing aid.
The point is that you have options. After you start customizing your journey toward being an awesome cyborg, you will be ready to get the most out of your life. So you can more easily hear the dialogue at the movie theater or the conversation with your grandkids.
Hearing Assistive Technology can help you hear better in specific situations but not all. Call us as soon as possible so we can help you hear better!