Modern Hearing Aid Features

When it comes to choosing a hearing aid, it may surprise you to learn that not only are there a number of styles available there are also a number of different features that can form part of your hearing aid and how it functions. When deciding upon the right hearing aid for you, it is important to get a good understanding of your needs and what options are available. 

It's ideal to discuss these options with your audiologist, as they can recommend the features that will be most beneficial to your specific needs and preferences.

Noise reduction 

All hearing aids will come with a degree of noise reduction, which will vary from device to device and user to user. Typically, noise reduction can be helpful for reducing irritating background noise such as the clinking dishes or overtly loud crowds. Some hearing aids will be able to override annoyances such as blowing wind and send and enhance speech to the aids to overcome the noise of the wind. If there is a gusty wind but no speech, then the aid can adjust itself to allow for the user to hear the wind but without it being painfully loud. 

Directional microphones 

Directional microphones on hearing aids allow for an improved pick up of the sounds coming from directly in front of you. They work by reducing some of the sounds coming from either behind or to the side. Directional microphones can be particularly useful when you are in an environment that has a lot of background noise, making it easier for you to focus and pick up on the sounds you actually need to hear. 

Wireless connectivity 

It may not come as a great surprise to you that hearing aids are becoming increasingly Bluetooth compatible. Meaning they can connect with cell phones, tablets, and even televisions. Once synced, you will be able to take calls, listen to music and watch videos directly through your hearing aids. 

Telecoil

In today's modern world, the telecoil feature can play a very important world. Telecoils make it easier to hear when talking on a telecoil-compatible telephone. It works by reducing the sounds of the environment and picking up the sound that is coming from the hearing aid compatible telephone. 

Telecoils are also used to pick up signals from a public loop induction system and are usually found in theaters and churches, for example. You will be able to identify such a system when out in public by looking for a square blue sign with an ear on it and a line going through the ear. If you see this sign, the telecoil system in your hearing aid will allow you to hear the speaker, play, or movie better, depending on where you are.