Although nearly 28.8 million Americans could benefit from using hearing aids, many still go without them. One reason could be due to what hearing aids are like.
Today’s hearing aids are sleek, smart and highly personalized, offering users more control and functionality than ever before.
Here are some technological advances in hearing aids and how to make the most of them in everyday life.
Smarter Listening with AI Personalization
Artificial intelligence, or AI, has found a powerful home in modern hearing aids. Hearing aids now use AI-driven systems that automatically adapt to your surroundings, whether you’re in a quiet coffee shop like Chimera or a bustling park. The technology learns your unique listening habits and fine-tunes settings like volume, directional focus and background noise filtering in real time.
How to make it work for you:
- Use the app that comes with your hearing aids to fine-tune preferences.
- Visit varied locations, such as restaurants or nature trails, so the AI can better understand your common environments.
- Schedule periodic check-ins with your hearing specialist to update settings and optimize performance.
Built-In Health Monitoring Features
Today’s hearing aids often do double duty as wellness trackers. Many are equipped with motion sensors and biosensors to monitor your heart rate, track your activity levels and even detect falls.
How to make it work for you:
- Connect your hearing aids to your smartphone or health app to view daily health data.
- Share this data with healthcare professionals or trusted family members.
- Use built-in reminders to encourage movement, hydration or medication compliance.
Better Connectivity with Low-Energy Bluetooth®
Modern hearing aids now offer Bluetooth LE Audio, a lower-energy version of traditional Bluetooth that delivers excellent sound quality while preserving battery life. This makes it easier than ever to stream audio from your devices directly to your hearing aids.
How to make it work for you:
- Pair your hearing aids with devices through Bluetooth® settings.
- Use your hearing aid app to customize what you hear.
- Take advantage of Bluetooth options in public spaces when offered.
Personalized Fit with Biometric Ear Scanning
Some hearing aids now offer biometric ear scanning to create custom-fitted earpieces that match the exact shape of your ear canal. This results in a more comfortable fit and improved sound quality, especially in challenging environments.
How to make it work for you:
- Ask your hearing specialist about biometric scanning options.
- Choose custom-fitted earpieces for a more secure and natural fit.
- Rely on the snug fit during physical activity or windy conditions for optimal performance.
If you’re curious about upgrading your hearing technology or exploring options for the first time, now is the perfect time.
To explore hearing aid options or to schedule a hearing test, contact Bangor Audiology today.