What Are The Best Hearing Aid Features

Hearing aid technology has improved in leaps and bounds over the last few decades. Hearing aids were once very simple devices with four different components: a microphone, a processor, a receiver and a power source. Now hearing aids technology has become far more sophisticated. New and advanced hearing aid technology has made significant progress in helping you to communicate in difficult listening environments. With this in mind, what are some of the best hearing aid features that anybody, whether they are just beginning their hearing aid experience or have been using hearing aids for years, can take advantage of? 

Feedback Suppression

Feedback is one of the most frustrating aspects of any hearing aid. When the sound goes into your ears, and the microphone picks it up, this could result in a high-pitched whistle or whine. Modern hearing aids come with feedback suppression, which monitors any incoming sounds for feedback. 

Bluetooth Compatibility

Bluetooth is a wireless feature that helps hearing aids connect to mobile phones and other Bluetooth devices. Bluetooth technology can improve the signal-to-noise ratio and greatly reduce feedback from the microphone. Bluetooth connections can also reduce interference, resulting in a more enjoyable listening experience. 

Multiple Channels

If you have a complex hearing profile, various levels of noise a hearing aid with multiple channels can create a more natural experience. If you are not able to hear deep bass noises, you can use a hearing aid channel to turn the volume up in those parts of the spectrum without turning everything else up, creating a more balanced sound.

Rechargeable Batteries

A very simple feature, but a lifesaver in the modern-day. Hearing aids have rechargeable batteries, so you can avoid having to swap your batteries every few days or weeks. These are only available in certain hearing aids and are expected to be widely available within the next few years, however for people who are constantly traveling or working away, rechargeable batteries can be a great way to save money on purchasing new batteries. 

Tinnitus Masking Features

While many hearing aids help with the ability to mask tinnitus, the most sophisticated ones can be programmed to emit sounds that mask the ringing in your ears. An audiologist can help you with this, but it's important to note that many people greatly reduce their tinnitus symptoms by finding the sounds they are missing, which you can easily do with a hearing aids. 

Applications

One of the most useful tools with modern hearing aids is its compatibility with smartphone apps. Smartphone apps allow the user to make adjustments to their hearing aids, monitor than better and can allow the user to contact your audiologist. Apps work as assistive listening devices by rerouting phone calls or sound sources directly into a hearing aid. Some also convert speech to text or translate different languages, but for the modern smartphone user who needs to communicate and stay online, the link between the hearing aid and app is an invaluable one. 

Data Logging

If you are looking to customize your hearing aid fitting, data logging is a feature that can provide invaluable insight into your preferences. Data logging stores data regarding the environment you wear hearing aids and is accessed by the audiologist when you return to them for a follow-up appointment. This can help to customize your hearing aid fitting and make sure you get more out of them. 

Directional microphone systems

Different hearing aid designs block either more or less of the noise from behind the person. A directional microphone boosts the sounds from the front of the hearing aid and reduces the sounds from the other directions. This helps people to understand speech in noisy environments and reduce background noise. 

Digital noise reduction 

Digital noise reduction systems work by analyzing the signal to determine if it contains any noise and wanted by the hearer. If any unwanted noises detected, the level of noise is reduced by the hearing aid system. This makes the environment more comfortable for listeners and is one of the most highly desired features by people wearing hearing aids.

There are so many different hearing aid features out there, and while there are basic ones, like rechargeable batteries and sophisticated ones like tinnitus masking features the most important thing to remember is to find the features that suit your specific needs. If you are looking for or the right features or you need to speak to an audiologist to make the most of your current hearing aid, you can learn more by getting in contact with Salyer Hearing Center at Sylva: 828-586-7474, Franklin: 828-524-5599 or Murphy: 828-835-1014.