Hearing aids transform patients’ hearing by amplifying and modulating incoming sounds to make them easier to interpret. They can help improve communication, social interaction and quality of life for many users. However, hearing aids alone may not be enough to meet the listening needs and challenges of everyone. That’s why combining hearing aids with other assistive technologies can offer additional benefits and solutions.
But what are these solutions? That’s the topic of this post. We look at some other assistive technologies that can help patients get the most out of their hearing aids and improve their quality of life.
What Are Assistive Listening Devices (ALDs)?
ALDs are devices or systems that help people with disabilities perform tasks in public, private and outdoor settings that would otherwise be difficult or impossible. People, organizations and companies use them widely to improve accessibility and quality of life.
Good examples of assistive technologies include:
- Captioning: Servicing that provides text on a screen or device to go along with the spoken words of a speaker or a media source.
- Loop systems: Systems that transmit sound from a microphone or a sound source directly to the hearing aids of the users via a magnetic field.
- FM systems: Systems that transmit sound from a microphone or a sound source directly to the hearing aids of the users via a magnetic field. FM systems can also reduce background noise and improve sound clarity for people with hearing loss in various settings such as schools, workplaces and restaurants.
- Bluetooth: A technology that allows devices to communicate with each other over short distances. Bluetooth can allow users to stream audio from these devices to their hearing aids without wires or cords.
Some of these systems are separate from basic hearing aids. However, others are part of the devices themselves.
The Benefits of Combining Hearing Aids with Other Technologies
Using hearing aids in conjunction with other assistive technologies can significantly enhance the listening experience and communication abilities of individuals with hearing loss. Assistive technologies like FM systems, captioning devices and smartphone apps can work in synergy with hearing aids to improve speech understanding, reduce background noise, and provide access to various audio sources.
Enhanced Speech Understanding
Regular hearing aids improve speech understanding significantly. However, they rely on microphones to interpret incoming auditory signals, which can lead to distortion. By contrast, assistive technologies deliver sound directly to the ears of the users without interference from background noise or distance. Hence, these technologies can help users hear speech more clearly and intelligibly in various situations.
Enhanced Sound Localization
Assistive technologies can also help individuals who struggle to locate sounds in their environment – a pressing safety concern. Combining hearing aids with directional microphones and sound localization technologies enhances their ability to determine the direction of the noise.
Improved Convenience
Assistive technologies may also improve convenience. By allowing users to control their listening preferences and adjust their volume levels independently of others around them, these technologies make it easy to adjust the sound experience.
Deal With Tinnitus
Assistive technologies can help patients deal with tinnitus, a condition characterized by persistent ringing or buzzing in the ears. White and brown noise devices help to mask annoying auditory hallucinations, improving patient comfort.
Better Accessibility
Greater accessibility is another benefit of assistive technologies. Captioning, sign language interpreters and telecoil systems make it easier for patients with hearing loss to participate at school, work and social events.
Customized Solutions
Patients who work with audiologists can explore a range of assistive technologies to meet their needs and preferences. This process could involve selecting the right hearing aids and then integrating ancillary devices where appropriate. Which technologies they use depends on their individual preferences and clinical requirements.
Improved Communication
By facilitating bidirectional communication between users and speakers or other devices, these technologies can help users participate more actively and confidently in conversations, discussions and interactions. For instance, telecoils make it much easier for hearing aid users to hear someone on the phone.
Better Access to Information
Lastly, assistive listening devices provide better access to information by providing visual or auditory cues that supplement speech signals. Users can access content from a broader range of resources, such as media content and educational materials. Ultimately, assistive technologies help you communicate and participate more fully in your daily life. Combining technologies makes it easier to manage hearing conditions and find bespoke solutions.
If you wear hearing aids and want to experience the benefits of using assistive technologies, contact The Hearing Center at York ENT. Our team of audiologists can provide bespoke solutions to help you get the most from your existing devices. To learn more or schedule an appointment, call (717) 850-9269.
