Hearing aid technology isn’t what it used to be; it’s better. The days of clunky speakers hung over the back of the ears have given way to sleeker, more functional designs. In just a short time, they have become high-tech, less expensive, and better looking. Consider some of the ways hearing aids have come of age.
Better Understanding of How Hearing Works
The science of hearing is a fairly new concept. Until 2009, it was unclear what happened deep inside the ear to change sound waves into something the brain can interpret as a word or other recognizable noise. Robert Jackler, MD, professor of Otorhinolaryngology at Stanford University, explains that understanding the mechanics of hair cells and how they stop working has improved the tools used to enhance sound — like the hearing aid.
Improved Sound
The current hearing aid design uses digital technology to filter out background noise. Many modern hearing aids have a microcomputer, as well, that is more sensitive. The chip cleans up the sound and clarifies it before it gets to the inner ear for translation.
Hearing aid professionals are able to stylize products to match the hearing loss of the wearer, similar to the way a stereo equalizer works. The aid knows what pitches you hear best and which ones need more amplification.
Directional Microphones
One of the biggest changes to hearing aids is the directional microphone, according to David Fabry, PhD and audiologist for the Mayo Clinic. This tool is able to enhance speech despite a noisy environment.
Smart Technology
Smart hearing aids connect wirelessly to tablet computers, laptops and smartphones. This allows the wearer to avoid headphones or earbuds when they want to listen to music or talk on the phone. The hearing aid serves the same purpose, making it more functional and convenient. The user can even take advantage of streaming apps to increase the hearing aid features or automatically turn on closed captions.
Cosmetic Improvements
Hearing aids are smaller and customized to fit the ear canal of the user, but those aren’t the only cosmetic improvements. They can be dyed, for example, to match the skin tone of the user, making them more discreet.
3D Printing
3D printing technology is revolutionizing the hearing aid industry. Audiologists can scan the ear and create a model that fits perfectly using 100,000 to 150,000 points of reference. Using this model, the designer prints out a custom shell made of resin with additive manufacturing. That shell is then loaded with the hardware necessary to make the hearing aid work. It takes just over an hour to print the shell, cutting back on the waiting time for a new hearing aid. The manufacturer keeps the custom template to reuse when the time comes to replace the aid.
Today’s hearing aid is not the same one your grandpa wore. They are getting better and more high tech with each passing year.