As someone with hearing loss, you know that sometimes hearing clearly is simply a matter of having the right technology. While your hearing aid goes a long way towards helping you hear, and has advanced settings that allow optimal performance in any listening environment, when it comes to hearing on the phone, watching TV, or listening to music, sometimes you just need a little something more.
Hearing Loss and Bluetooth Technology
Like everyone else, you’ve come to rely on technology for pretty much everything. From maps to music and everything in between, there seems to be a cellphone app for everything. And where would we be without our TVs! The only problem with phones, TVs, radios, and the like, is that no matter how much you crank up the volume, it’s still hard to hear, whether it’s a conversation with your friend on the phone or a CD you love.
Within the last couple years, hearing aid technology has advanced by leaps and bounds, and new programs and features have found ways to connect hearing aids to the TV, radio, computer, and even to your phone! The secret is Bluetooth technology. If you have hearing aids with Bluetooth connectivity, then you can say goodbye to straining to hear. Set the phone down and hear every word clearly, streamed right to your hearing aids, so you’re no longer pressing the phone against your good ear or asking your friend on the other end to repeat themselves again. Audio from any Bluetooth enabled device can be streamed directly to compatible hearing aids. If you are unsure whether your hearing aids are Bluetooth compatible, visit us at one of our My Hearing Centers locations.
Assistive Listening Devices
If your hearing aids don’t have Bluetooth technology, or your phone isn’t Bluetooth enabled, there are many different assistive listening options available for you. Maybe you don’t want to upgrade your hearing device right now, but you still need something to help you hear on the phone, or to watch your favorite Sunday afternoon show. Whatever the case may be, an Assistive Listening Device (ALD) might be just the thing you need.
An Assistive Listening Device (ALD) is not a hearing aid, but it will help you hear better. They’re usually small, handheld devices that are designed to amplify sounds. Each person’s hearing loss is different, so getting an ALD is one way to tailor your hearing experience, and provide more help when and where you need it. ALDs can be used on their own, but when combined with hearing aids will enhance your listening experience by filling in your hearing gaps. This additional tool is all about providing you with high fidelity sound, even if your hearing isn’t what it once was. ALD’s provide the most assistance in 3 areas; talking on the phone, watching TV, and having in-person conversations.
In-Person Conversations: For those in-person conversations that have been putting a strain on your relationships, the ALD model that could change everything is a small, portable device that amplifies sounds close to you, and reduces background sounds, so you won’t be struggling to hear what’s being said, whether you’re in your living room or a noisy restaurant.
Phone Calls: Using an ALD when talking on the phone is all about clarity, and it will amplify sounds, enhance sound quality, and eliminate feedback. Some ADLs even replace your phone, providing an analog device with large buttons, speakerphone options, caller ID, and even an address book for stored numbers.
Watching TV: TV viewing has never been better, with an ALD specifically for watching television. It connects directly to the TV, and sounds are transmitted to earbuds or headphones, providing an enjoyable listening experience.
If you can’t hear clearly, you won’t be able to fully participate in conversations, play with the grandkids like you used to, or even perform simple daily tasks like stopping by the grocery store on your way home. But you know it’s all about the little things in life.
Not being able to watch TV or enjoy music, that’s what you’re going to miss, and what will to decrease your quality of life. It’s time to take action, and get back to living your life with high definition sound. Visit us at My Hearing Centers to talk about hearing aids or ALDs, and find out how hearing technology can change your life.