Are you familiar with 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 often cleverly portrayed with these characters). You can get some truly wild cyborgs in Hollywood.
But actually, someone wearing something as simple as a pair of glasses could be viewed as a cyborg. After all, biology has been enhanced with technology.
These technologies typically enhance the human experience. So, if you’re using an assistive listening device, such as a hearing aid, you’re the coolest type of cyborg in the world. And the best part is that the technology doesn’t end there.
Negative aspects of hearing loss
Hearing loss undeniably comes with some disadvantages.
It’s difficult to follow the plot when you go see a movie. It’s even harder to make out what your grandkids are talking about (part of this is because you have no clue what K-pop is, and you never will, but mostly it’s because of hearing loss). And this can impact your life in very profound (often negative) ways.
Left untreated, the world can get pretty quiet. That’s where technology plays a role.
How can hearing loss be managed with technology?
“Assistive listening device” is the broad category that any device which helps you hear better is put into. Ok, it does sound a bit technical! You may be thinking: what are assistive listening devices? Is there somewhere I can go and buy one of these devices? Are there challenges to using assistive listening devices?
Those are all reasonable questions!
Usually, hearing aids are what we think of when we consider hearing aid technology. Because hearing aids are an essential part of dealing with hearing loss, that’s reasonable. But hearing aids aren’t the only type of assistive hearing device. And, used properly, these hearing devices can help you more fully enjoy the world around you.
What types of assistive listening devices are there?
Induction loops
Induction loops, also called hearing loops, use technology that sounds quite complex. Here are the basics: areas with hearing loops are normally well marked with signage and they can help individuals with hearing aids hear more clearly, even in noisy settings.
A speaker will sound clearer due to the magnetic fields in a hearing loop. Induction loops are good for:
- Presentations, movies, or other events that depend on amplification.
- Locations with bad acoustic qualities like echoes.
- Lobbies, waiting rooms, and other loud places.
FM systems
An FM hearing assistance system works much like a radio or a walkie-talkie. A transmitter, typically a speaker or microphone, and a receiver, like a hearing aid, are needed for this kind of system to function. FM systems are useful for:
- Courtrooms and other government or civil buildings.
- Anyone who wants to listen to amplified sound systems (this includes things like a speaker during a presentation or dialogue during a movie).
- Anywhere that is loud and noisy, particularly where that noise makes it difficult to hear.
- Conferences, classrooms, and other educational activities.
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 often worn around your neck (sort of like a lanyard). IR hearing assistance systems are ideal for:
- Indoor environments. IR systems are frequently effected by strong sunlight. Because of this, inside venues are usually the best ones for this type of technology.
- People who have cochlear implants or hearing aids.
- When you’re listening to one main person speaking.
Personal amplifiers
Personal amplifiers are kind of like hearing aids, only less specialized and less powerful. In general, they feature a microphone and a speaker. The sound is being amplified through the speakers after being detected by the microphone. Personal amplifiers may seem like a confusing option since they come in several styles and types.
- Before you use any kind of personal amplifier, talk to us about it first.
- Your basically putting a very loud speaker right inside of your ear so you need to be careful not to further damage your hearing.
- For individuals who only require amplification in certain circumstances or have very minor hearing loss, these devices would be a practical option.
Amplified phones
Phones and hearing aids don’t always get along very well. The sound can become garbled or too low in volume and sometimes you can get feedback.
Amplified phones are a solution. These devices allow you to have control of the volume of the phone’s speaker, so you can make it as loud or quiet as you need, depending on the situation. Here are some things that these devices are good for:
- When multiple people in a home use a single phone.
- Individuals who don’t have Bluetooth enabled devices, like their phone or their hearing aid.
- When someone has difficulty hearing phone conversations but hears fine in other situations.
Alerting devices
When something is going on, these devices (sometimes called signalers or notification devices) use loud noises, vibrations, and flashing lights to get your attention. For instance, when the doorbell dings, the phone rings, or the microwave bings. This means even if you aren’t wearing your hearing aids, you’ll still be aware when something around your home or office requires your attention.
Alerting devices are an excellent solution for:
- Home and office settings.
- People with total or near total hearing loss.
- Situations where lack of attention could be hazardous (for example, when a smoke alarm sounds).
- Individuals who periodically remove their hearing aids (everybody needs a break now and then).
Telecoils
Again, we come back to the occasionally frustrating link between your telephone and your hearing aid. The feedback that occurs when two speakers are held in front of each other isn’t pleasant. When you put a hearing aid next 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 great for:
- Anyone who isn’t connected to Bluetooth in any way.
- Individuals who use the phone frequently.
- Anybody who uses hearing aids.
Captioning
These days, it has become fairly commonplace for people to use captions and subtitles to enjoy media. You will find captions just about everywhere! Why? Because they make what you’re watching a bit easier to understand.
For people who have hearing loss, captions will help them be able to comprehend what they’re watching even with loud conversations around them and can work together with their hearing aids so they can hear dialog even if it’s mumbled.
What are the advantages of using assistive listening devices?
So, now your greatest question might be: where can I purchase assistive listening devices? That’s a good question because it means you’ve acknowledged how all of these technologies can be advantageous to people with hearing loss.
To be sure, not every strategy is right for every individual. For example, you may not need an amplifier if you have a phone with good volume control. A telecoil may not even work for you if you don’t have the right type of hearing aid.
But you have options and that’s really the point. You can personalize the kind of amazing cyborg you want to be (and you will be amazing, we promise)–so that you can get the most out of life. It’s time to get back into that conversation with your grandchildren.
Hearing Assistive Technology can help you hear better in certain situations but not all. If you want to hear better, call us today!