Modern Hearing Aid Features
Hearing aids with Bluetooth technology (What They Can Do?)
Bluetooth is a communication technology that helps connect two or more electronic devices wirelessly within a short range so they can exchange sound or information. It is embedded in many modern electronic devices allowing them to communicate with each other, including smartphones which allow you to control your hearing aids using the manufacturers apps. With Bluetooth you get a more personal listening experience. You can control the TV volume for your hearing aids separately from the volume on the TV. You can stream sound to one or both ears, listen to music and talk on the phone with sound being sent straight to your hearing aid. It promotes clear phone conversations, provides better sound quality for music, podcasts, online chats, and TV programs to give a much-improved listening experience.
iPhone vs Android compatible hearing aids. What’s the difference?
There are two types – MFI and MFA. Made For iPhone or ‘MFI’, are hearing devices that have been around for many years. MFI hearing aids will connect directly to iPads and iPhones without requiring a streamer for connection to their app to stream audio and calls. Also of importance is the IOS version on the iPhone. If the IOS version is 15 or lower you won’t be able to enjoy the hands-free calls, and if you are using a laptop or desktop for video calls, the intermediary streamer will act as your microphone so that the person on the other end can hear you. MFI hearing aids can also work with android devices but need an intermediary streamer to transfer audio and phone calls. Originally only compatible with android smart phones hence the term Made For Android, but now modified to be Made For All, ‘MFA’ compatible hearing aids can be used with iPhones and Android smart phones if the Android devices.
Hearing aids with Aartificial Intelligence for Health Tracking
Primarily only achievable with a wearable device, the technology has expanded to hearing aids making the ear the new wrist! It can accurately track health and fitness data. Using an app designed to work with Artificial Intelligence software, this new feature allows a hearing aid to detect when a wearer falls and send GPS-specific alerts to select family members allowing them to contact the wearer or obtain assistance. The software is also adept at tracking hearing aid use during social engagements, active listening, and physical activity such as counting steps.
What are Rechargeable Hearing Aids and How do they Work?
Unlike hearing aids with traditional disposable batteries which can be a swallowing risk for young children, rechargeable hearing aids have built-in batteries that do not require regular removal. Simply dock your hearing aids on a charging unit when required, like how smartphones recharge. Rechargeable hearing aids can also come with a portable charger allowing for charging on the go. Just charge the main charger and once complete it will store the charges for a few days. Most rechargeable hearing aids are best suited for people with dexterity issues and degrees of hearing loss ranging from mild to profound. Furthermore, depending on how they are used, rechargeable hearing aids benefit from 30 hours of usage between each charge along with a long shelf life of approximately five years before they need replacing.
Waterproof Hearing Aids
Although manufacturers claim the devices to be waterproof to a depth of 50-100cm, most hearing aids are water-resistant, which means they should not be submerged in water but can handle a little bit of moisture. Moisture is no friend to the delicate electronic parts of these expensive devices. As is the case with smartphones and other handheld devices, hearing aid components work best when they are kept clean and dry. If you are exposing your hearing aids to moisture from your face during work or play, or if you live in humid, wet climates or enjoy water-related hobbies such as boating or fishing, your hearing aids are probably exposed to more moisture than most. Consider purchasing a hearing aid accessory, like a sleeve to wear to protect the hearing aids if you’ll be playing around water but not in it as moisture damage is one of the major reasons hearing aids are returned for repair.