Features in Hearing Aids

Advances in digital technology have enabled hearing aids to become like mini-computers, performing millions of calculations and adjustments in a flash. They can do so much more and are significantly smaller than even a few years ago. And their ability to automatically adapt to changing environments and reproduce sound more naturally is truly incredible. These are not your father’s hearing aids!

Modern hearing aids often have advanced features like:

Multiple Channels of Compression – This helps restore soft speech sounds.

Expansion – Minimizes annoying and unwanted softer sounds (like fans).

Automatic Feedback Reduction – A newer option that automatically controls annoying whistling sounds often noticed in older hearing aids.

Digital Noise Reduction – Minimizes the annoyance of loud, sharp sounds and the discomfort and anxiety of trying to listen in noisy places.

Directional Microphones – Helps the user focus on the sounds they want to hear by reducing sounds which originate from the background. This often makes it easier to understand conversations in noisy environments.

Input Signal Classification & Automatic Program Switching – Recognizes the type of listening situation you’re in and automatically adjusts to the optimal settings for that situation.

Trainable Volume Control – The hearing aid automatically calculates volume settings and resets itself based on previous use.

Data Logging – Provides an electronic record of your hearing aid use. This data helps us fine tune the hearing aid to best fit your lifestyle and environment.

Multiple Memories – Hearing aids can be programmed with settings for a variety of listening situations: crowds, conversations, watching TV or movies and so on. It’s common for hearing aids to have two or three of these settings.

Remote Control – Some hearing aids come with a remote control so you can quickly and easily make adjustments without having to touch or remove your hearing aid.

Wireless Bluetooth Capability – Allows your hearing aid to be used in conjunction with cellphones, mp3 players, and other audio devices.

Learning Capabilities – Allows the user to ‘train’ their hearing aids to the environments they most often find themselves in.

Wireless Coupling – For people using two hearing aids, this features ensures they’re working and reacting together.

Rechargeable Power – Rather than using batteries, the hearing aid can be charged by attaching it to a charging unit.