Today’s hearing aids are likely not what you imagine. When you picture a hearing aid, do you think of a bulky device that is worn behind the ear and is highly visible? This is one of the most common misconceptions about hearing aids – people often think they are unappealing devices made for older adults to wear. But similar to most electronic devices, hearing aids have experienced significant innovation over recent years. They are more innovative and modern than ever before. Advanced features and sleek designs allow hearing aids to seamlessly integrate into daily life. Hearing aids are innovative pieces of wearable technology much like smartwatches and headphones.
How do hearing aids work?
There are several types, or styles, of hearing aids. To better understand how these styles differ, it is useful to know how hearing aids work. All hearing aids consist of the same foundational components:
- Microphone: collects and absorbs sound waves from the environment which are converted into electrical signals. A processing chip that is embedded in digital hearing aids translate electrical signals into digital signals. This allows them to be adjusted in various ways to meet the specific hearing needs of the wearer.
- Amplifier: receives and amplifies the signals delivered from the microphone before sending signals to the receiver.
- Receiver: sends the signals to the inner ear. Hair cells in the cochlea further process these signals and send this auditory information to the brain.
The last component of all hearing aids is the power source. Hearing aids are powered by disposable or rechargeable batteries.
Can hearing aids be stylish?
There are numerous types of hearing aids. Hearing aid manufacturers use three letter acronyms to describe the style of hearing aid. This refers to how and where the hearing aid is worn – in the ear or behind the ear. There is wide variety when it comes to hearing aid styles and sizes, common types include:
- Behind-the-ear (BTE): one of the most common types of hearing aids is a BTE device. This includes a portion of the hearing aid which is worn behind the outer portion of the ear. Today’s BTE hearing aids are sleeker and compact, sitting comfortably behind the ear.
- In-The-Ear (ITE): ITE hearing aids are custom made using molds of your ear which ensures a perfect fit. ITE hearing devices are worn in the lower portion of the outer ear while some are worn in the ear canal.
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Invisible-In-Canal (IIC): An IIC hearing aid is a type of in the ear device. It is the smallest type of hearing aid available. They are made using a custom mold of your ears and are designed to be worn completely inside the ear canal.
There are stylish designs of these hearing aid styles. A great example is Phonak’s Lyric. The Lyric is the world’s first 100% invisible hearing aid which is worn completely in the ear canal. It can also be worn 24/7, even in the shower! The Lyric highlights a growing trend in the hearing aid industry which takes style and wearability seriously. Hearing aids come in a range of colors to meet the aesthetic preferences of the wearer. We’ve entered an exciting era of hearing devices with numerous stylish options to choose from!
What are the latest hearing aid technologies?
In addition to different styles of hearing aids, there are numerous features that make these devices cutting edge. A few of the latest hearing aid technologies includes:
- Wireless connectivity: using Bluetooth technology, hearing aids can wirelessly connect to other electronic devices – TV, phone, speaker etc. This allows your hearing aids to stream audio directly which enhances sound quality.
- Digital noise reduction: background noise can make it challenging for anyone to hear, especially in settings that are noisier. This feature is designed to filter through sound and reduce background noise so that the speech you want to hear is clearer and easier to hear.
- Apps & virtual assistants: many of today’s hearing aids come with a downloadable app that allows you to manage your settings. There is also a virtual assistant that people can access to perform basic functions.
Today’s hearing aids are incredible pieces of technology that come in a variety of styles to choose from. Contact us today to learn more about your options and the technologies you can benefit from.