By David Bryce on 13th June 2016

The advancement of technology is quite breathtaking, it seems that it is just happening ever quicker. In just the last ten years advances in computing hardware has made it possible to have a powerful computer in your pocket. Modern Smartphones are at least as powerful as laptops were several years ago. That's just one are of technology, every area is advancing and hearing aids have been no different. 

We thought it would be a good idea to look at the major advances in hearing device tech and what they actually mean to the user. So let's give it a go. 

Automatic listening programmes

Many hearing aid brands offer automatic listening programmes in their hearing aids. They are universal type programmes that allow the hearing aids adapt to different sound situations automatically. How the hearing aid manufacturers do it is through enhanced analysis systems that understand the sound situation and how it changes. This allows a management system within the chip to change the amplification and manage the features to deliver the very best sound for that situation. This all happens instantaneously and the changes happen seamlessly without the user noticing. 

What's the advantages to you?

The advantages are that you have a seamless experience without having to think about it or interact with your hearing aids. You just put them on and forget them. For many hearing aid users this is exceptionally attractive, however, some users want more control and most of the hearing device brands have been careful to ensure the option to do so is there. 

Adaptive Directional Microphones

Directional microphones were introduced many years ago and they completely changed how hearing aid users could hear in noise. Directional microphone technology uses the sound information supplied by two microphones, to allow the hearing aids to identify where sound is coming from. This information allows the hearing aids to decide what sound is worth focusing on. This was originally used to allow the processor to reduce the level of sound coming from the rear and concentrate on the sound coming from the front. Originally this feature was something that you turned on by changing a programme.  

This feature has developed over the years first becoming adaptive and then automatic and adaptive. It simply means that you don't have to worry about the feature, it just does its thing delivering the optimal directionality for you in the situation that you are in.

Wind Noise Reduction Features 

If you are an outdoors type or if you like golf or walking, the noise of wind across the hearing aid microphones can be a huge distraction. This was a major bug bear for many and hearing aid manufacturers have been working to deal with it for many years. In the last few years they have used both design principles and feature advancements to reduce the effect of wind noise. They now have some outstanding features that work exceptionally well to reduce wind noise. It means that for many, their leisure pursuits are more of a pleasure. No irritating wind noise and they can still hear all they need to hear.

Wireless Hearing Aids

Wireless hearing aids are perhaps the most amazing advancement in hearing aid technology. While the connection of your hearing aids to other audio sources is both amazing and fantastic, it is the connection between the hearing aids that has changed almost everything. For the first time, hearing aids work as a pair, passing information between each other about the sound situation.

This allows the hearing aids to deliver an experience that was never possible before. This one advancement is probably responsible for the biggest advancement in hearing aid satisfaction. Hearing aids work better than ever, deliver better in all of the difficult situations than ever. Oh and you can hear the phone easily, hear the TV better and connect to any other audio source. 

Hearing aid technology has dramatically changed in just the last five years, they have never been so good. If you have any questions about hearing aids, hearing loss or hearing care give us a call, or book an appointment online now.