Do you know what a cyborg is? If your mind gets swept up in science fiction movies, you probably think of cyborgs as sort of half-human, half machine characters (the human condition is frequently cleverly portrayed with these characters). You can get some really fantastic cyborgs in Hollywood.
But in reality, somebody wearing something as basic as a pair of glasses could be considered a cyborg. The glasses, in fact, are a technology that has been integrated into biology.
The human condition is usually enhanced using these technologies. So you’re actually the coolest type of cyborg in the world if you’re using an assistive listening device. And the best part is that the technology doesn’t end there.
Hearing loss disadvantages
Hearing loss undeniably comes with some negatives.
It’s hard to keep up with the plot when you go see a movie. Understanding your grandchildren is even harder (some of that is because of the age-gap, but for the most part, it’s hearing loss). And this can affect your life in extremely profound (often negative) ways.
The world can become really quiet if your hearing loss is ignored. This is where technology comes in.
How can technology alleviate hearing loss?
Broadly speaking, technology that helps you hear better is lumped into the category of “assistive listening devices”. That sounds pretty technical, right? You might be thinking: what are assistive listening devices? Is there somewhere I can go and buy one of these devices? What challenges will I deal with?
These questions are all standard.
Typically, hearing aids are what we think of when we think about hearing aid technology. Because hearing aids are a crucial part of treating hearing loss, that’s reasonable. But they’re also just the start, there are many types of assistive hearing devices. And, used properly, these hearing devices can help you more completely enjoy the world around you.
What are the different kinds of assistive listening devices?
Induction loops
Induction loops, also known as hearing loops, utilize technology that sounds really complex. Here are the basics: areas with hearing loops are usually well marked with signage and they can help those with hearing aids hear more clearly, even in noisy areas.
Basically, hearing loops use magnetic fields to make a speaker’s voice more clear. Here are some examples of when an induction loop can be helpful:
- Lobbies, waiting rooms, and other loud settings.
- Spots that tend to have lots of echoes or have poor acoustics.
- Presentations, movies, or other events that depend on amplification.
FM systems
An FM hearing assistance system works a lot like a radio or a walkie-talkie. In order for this system to function, you need two elements: a transmitter (normally a microphone or sound system) and a receiver (often in the form of a hearing aid). Here are some situations where an FM system will be useful:
- Anyone who wants to listen to sound systems that use amplification (this includes things like a speaker during a presentation or dialogue during a movie).
- Whenever it’s difficult to hear due to a loud environment.
- Civil and governmental environments (for example, in courtrooms).
- Education environments, such as classrooms or conferences.
Infrared systems
There are similarities between an infrared system and an FM system. It’s composed of a receiver and an amplifier. With an IR system, the receiver is usually worn around your neck (kind of like a lanyard). Here are some instances where IR systems can be helpful:
- Inside environments. IR systems are often impacted by strong sunlight. So this type of technology works best in indoor settings.
- People who wear hearing aids or cochlear implants.
- When you’re listening to one main person talking.
Personal amplifiers
Personal amplifiers are a lot like less specialized and less robust versions of a hearing aid. Generally, they consist of a microphone and a speaker. The microphone detects sounds and amplifies them through a speaker. Personal amplifiers come in a few different types and styles, which may make them a confusing possible solution.
- For best outcomes, consult us before using personal amplifiers of any type.
- Your essentially putting a really loud speaker right inside of your ear so you need to be cautious not to damage your hearing further.
- These devices are good for individuals who have very mild hearing loss or only require amplification in select situations.
Amplified phones
Hearing aids and phones sometimes have trouble with one another. The sound can get garbled or too low in volume and sometimes you can get feedback.
Amplified phones are an option. These devices give you control over the volume of the phone’s speaker, so you can make it as loud or quiet as you want, depending on the circumstance. Here are some things that these devices are good for:
- People who only have a hard time understanding or hearing conversations over the phone.
- When multiple people in a home use a single phone.
- People who don’t have their phone synced to their Bluetooth hearing aid (or who don’t have Bluetooth available on either their hearing aids or their principal telephone).
Alerting devices
When something happens, these devices (sometimes called signalers or notification devices) use loud noises, vibrations, and flashing lights to get your attention. When the microwave bings, the doorbell dings, or the phone rings, for example. This means even if you aren’t wearing your hearing aids, you’ll still be aware when something around your home or office needs your attention.
Alerting devices are a good solution for:
- Circumstances where lack of attention could be hazardous (for example, when a smoke alarm goes off).
- Individuals with complete or nearly complete hearing loss.
- When in the office or at home.
- Individuals who intermittently take off their hearing aids (everybody needs a break sometimes).
Telecoils
Again, we come back to the sometimes frustrating link between your telephone and your hearing aid. The feedback that occurs when two speakers are put in front of each other is not pleasant. When you put a hearing aid close to a phone, the same thing occurs.
That connection can be avoided by a telecoil. You will be able to hear all of your calls without feedback as your telecoil links your hearing aid directly to your phone. They’re good for:
- Those who do not have access to Bluetooth hearing aids or phones.
- Individuals who have hearing aids.
- Anybody who regularly talks on the phone.
Captioning
Closed captions (and subtitles more broadly) have become a mainstay of the way people enjoy media nowadays. Everyone uses captions! Why? Because they make it a little bit easier to understand what you’re watching.
When you have hearing loss, captions can work in combination with your hearing aids, helping you understand mumbled dialogue or ensuring you can follow your favorite show even when there’s distracting conversation nearby.
The rewards of using assistive listening devices
So where can you get assistive listening devices? This question indicates a recognition of the advantages of these technologies for individuals who use hearing aids.
To be sure, not every strategy is right for every individual. For example, you might not need an amplifier if you have a phone with good volume control. If you don’t have the right kind of hearing aid, a telecoil might be useless to you.
But you have choices and that’s really the point. You can customize the type of incredible cyborg you want to be (and you will be amazing, we promise)–so that you can get the most out of life. So you can more easily understand the dialogue at the movie theater or the conversation with your grandkids.
Hearing Assistive Technology can help you hear better in certain situations but not all. Call us right away so we can help you hear better!