Today we’re going to briefly discuss 6 technologies that are making life easier for those who are affected by hearing loss. They are as follows:
Bluetooth and wireless connectivity
Bluetooth technology has been around for quite some time now. But in recent years we are seeing in an upswing in wearable tech. smartwatches and fitness trackers all connect to smartphones through a wireless or Bluetooth connection. There is also a rise in Bluetooth headphones, we see people walk around frequently with wireless earbuds in their ears or around their necks. this Bluetooth technology is being adopted in the hearing aid industry as well because of how convenient it is to link all these devices together. The connection enables the wearer to turn their hearing device into wireless earphones for their smartphones, tv, or other Bluetooth enabled devices.
Music and bone conduction technology
Now bone conduction sounds a little scary but it’s not its just another pathway to hear. A pathway of hearing in which sound reaches the inner ear directly through skull vibration. This allows the sound to bypass the outer and middle ear. It uses the vibration of the jaw and cheekbones of your face. This method makes the sound waves bypass your eardrum and directly stimulate the inner ear. Bone conduction it great for people who experience hearing loss but retain function in their cochlea. There are bone conduction headphones that provide a way to experience music. Although the quality of sound is less than traditional air conduction headphones, this technology continues to improve and provide a hearing loss-friendly option for music lovers.
Speech-to-text apps
There are now various speech-to-text apps that help with real-time communication. This hearing loss technology converts spoken conversations into text in real-time and is useful for live events such as presentations and conferences. The text is projected onto a large screen for those with hearing loss. You might see this type of technology being used on your iPhone, where you’re voicemails are transcribed into text that you can read instead of listening to.
Hearing aid advancements
Hearing aids and other wearable devices are becoming more inconspicuous with additional features added every year. A large variety of styles that are smaller and sleeker allow for customization and personalization, while features such as ear-to-ear connectivity, noise reduction software, and directional microphones make devices more effective and easier to use.
Captioned Telephones
Captioned telephones show captions of everything a caller says over the phone, very similar to the speech to text technology. This gives people with hearing loss the confidence to know they’ll hear and understand every word of the conversation. Several models are available to choose from, including touch screen technology, traditional telephone styles, or large display options for people who require extra-large font sizes. With options like built-in Bluetooth connectivity, a speakerphone, an answering machine that captions your messages, and customizable sound frequency screening, people with hearing loss can enjoy talking on the phone again without the repeated “huh?” or the stress.
AI assistants
Some companies are developing artificial intelligence (AI) assistants to help predict the best fit for a hearing aid or cochlear implant. This technology in the audiologist’s office could shorten the detection and diagnosis process and ease the experience of getting an assistive listening device. Not only will AI assistants be used in the doctor’s office but also is being developed for everyday use. Studies are being done to make AI personal assistants to those with hearing loss. For example, KinTrans claims that its platform leverages machine learning to automate the translation of sign language to text.
Are you already using any of these technologies? Is there something we missed that you would like to learn more about. If you have questions about hearing loss or hearing aids and the technology behind it? We are here to help! Please contact us today and schedule an appointment at one of our convenient Ohio hearing center locations: Bowling Green, Toledo, or Wauseon. The experts at Kenwood Hearing Center are here for you to help you with not only hearing loss but your overall hearing health.