While smartwatches and fitness trackers continue to catch the attention those interested in cutting-edge technology, one of the most impressive and potentially game-changing devices may not be worn by the general population. The newest type of hearing aid, which is Bluetooth-enabled and small enough to be overlooked, is revolutionizing lives for the hearing impaired, and most people are completely unaware of it.
Bluetooth Capabilities and Hearing Impairment
When the general public thinks of the hearing impaired, attention is typically focused on the inability to hear conversations. However, there are many other areas of life that can cause headaches for those who have less-than-perfect hearing abilities, and these new hearing aids can address many of those concerns as well.
With Bluetooth, these aids can connect wirelessly with many other devices used on a daily basis:
Smartphones – Hearing impaired individuals can hear telephone conversations directly in their ears through a hearing aid rather than placing the phone against the ear and struggling to listen.
Televisions and computers – Just as with smartphones, the Bluetooth can be run directly from televisions or computers to provide sound in a wearer’s hearing aid rather than wearing unwieldy headphones.
Microphones – Bluetooth hearing aids can aid in conversations when the non-hearing impaired conversant wears a microphone that feeds directly into the hearing aid.
These are just a few of the ways that Bluetooth technology is being used to completely revolutionize listening tasks for the hearing impaired.
Technology and Daily Life
For a long time, people with hearing impairments have been ignored in conversations and entertainment activities because they struggled to keep up with audible cues. However, these types of hearing improvements are allowing the impaired to take more control over their environment and their daily activities.
In heavily urban areas, where ambient noise is louder and more distracting, these types of hearing aids allow wearers to control the volume of background sounds. This can make it easier for them to hold in-person and phone conversations while walking down the street.
While younger hearing aid users are quick to accept the updated technology, many older wearers are more hesitant to get on board with the Bluetooth technology. However, the volume and other settings can be controlled by mobile apps or even remote controls, and the benefits are far outweighing most of the early trepidation.
As this type of technology continues to grow and evolve, there has never been a more encouraging time to rely on hearing aids.
