Think you know hearing aids? Chances are, there are unexpected hearing aid benefits that you aren’t aware of. Modern hearing aids are technologically advanced. They have a vibrant history of cutting-edge innovation and boast numerous features most people don’t use.
Find out how to get the best listening experience possible with these eight hearing aid benefits you probably didn’t know before reading this article.
1. Hearing aids contain advanced computers
Hearing aids don’t simply amplify sound. They contain state-of-the-art processors that are programmed to maximize the quality of your listening experiences in restaurants, in the park, in one-on-one conversations, on the phone, and in other locations.
Many hearing aids utilize artificial intelligence (AI). This allows your hearing aids to learn how you hear best in various places and automatically adjust to optimize your listening experiences.
2. They eliminate background noise
Background noise is always a problem for those experiencing hearing loss, especially when the background noise drowns out the sounds and conversations you want to hear.
Advanced hearing aids can identify and target the sounds you want to hear (like your friend’s voice or a movie) while pushing distracting sounds into the background where they’re barely noticeable.
That’s another way hearing aids help you hear at your best.
3. They reduce annoying ringing sounds
Are you one of the millions of individuals who suffer from tinnitus? If so, you’re dealing with a persistent ringing, buzzing, humming, or other sound in one or both ears. It’s not only irritating, but the ringing also makes it very difficult to hear.
Many advanced “hearables” have a feature that helps cancel out tinnitus sounds, so you don’t hear them. Some hearing aids can even train your brain to ignore those ringing sounds.
If you have tinnitus, this is a must-have feature.
4. Apple’s technology has improved hearing aids
No, the company that brought us iPhones and iPads isn’t making hearing aids – yet. They have added apps and features to their smartphones that are compatible with your hearing aids.
Using Bluetooth® technology, you can wirelessly connect your hearing aids to your smartphone. You can then stream music, movies, calls, and other media directly into your hearing aids.
This direct connection eliminates the distortions caused by the distance between the speaker and your ear.
5. Better theater experiences
Do you love the theater, seminars, and sporting events? Modern hearing aids are compatible with hearing loop systems that many venues have installed for their hearing-impaired patrons.
Similar to the smartphone app, the hearing loop system brings sounds directly to your hearing aids. While everyone else is listening to grainy and distorted loudspeakers, you’re getting crystal clear sound.
6. No more tiny batteries
Are you always replacing your hearing aid batteries? Many modern hearing aids are rechargeable. That means less fumbling around with small button batteries.
7. Two are better than one
Your ears work in synchronicity, compensating for each ear’s shortcomings and helping you identify where sound is coming from.
While one hearing aid will help you hear slightly better, two will make sounds much clearer and easier to understand. By wearing only one hearing aid, you won’t be able to hear someone speaking into the ear without a hearing aid.
When crossing the street, playing sports, or moving through a crowd, it’s important to know where sounds are coming from. One hearing aid simply won’t cut it.
8. They help you stay mentally sharp
Cognitive decline is a depressing subject no one wants to address, but it’s a fact of life for many individuals in their advanced years.
Studies have shown untreated hearing loss hastens cognitive decline. As fewer sounds are heard and understood, parts of the brain start to shut down.
Other studies have shown hearing aids can reduce the rate of cognitive decline to that of an individual with healthy hearing.
Hearing aids are well worth the relatively small investment when measured against the valuable benefits and average lifespan of more than 10 years.
Purchasing hearing aids is a small price to pay for keeping your memories, as well as the ability to learn and process new information.
Many people wait five to seven years before realizing their hearing loss is severe enough to require a hearing device. Some people have hearing aids they’re not wearing because they’re struggling with the advanced features.
Don’t miss out on these unexpected hearing aid benefits. Talk to a hearing specialist as soon as possible about improving your listening experience with new hearing aids.
