Hearing devices have come a long way since the first behind-the-ear were manufactured in the 1960s and 1970s. Prior hearing aid looks like big, bulky, beige, and very noticeable. People found it very difficult in wearing behind the ears and it amplifies all the sounds around them.
Now in 2019, the hearing aid devices are very small and stylish. Every year, manufacturers like Signia, Starkey, and Phonak introduce new products and technology upgrades that are on par with the latest smartphones. That being said, here are just a few groundbreaking hearing aid innovations to look out for in 2019.
Here are some latest technologies of digital hearing aids
Wireless Bluetooth Streaming
Today every person use a smartphone and portable electronic devices, So keeping in mind the manufacturers have made hearing aid with an inbuilt facility. Tech-savvy individuals love the convenience of being able to use their Bluetooth-enabled devices with their hearing aids. Many manufacturers carry both in-the-ear (ITE) and behind-the-ear (BTE) models with Bluetooth connectivity.
For instance, the Opn from Oticon is made for iPhone®, iPad®, and iPod touch®, allowing you to stream audio directly into your hearing machine. In some devices Bluetooth connection is wireless. However, some devices require the use of a streamer that is worn around the neck or placed in a pocket for hands-free use.
Here are some models which provide this facility
- Oticon Opn
- Starkey Halo
- ReSound LiNX
- Signia Insio Nx
Smartphone Connectivity
Everywhere people are using smartphones and you will find people staring down at the glowing screen that is in their hands. The smartphones eventually replace landline phones for good. But you don’t need a smartphone to operate a hearing aid it makes it easy to change program and settings of hearing machine through a smartphone.
In 2019 manufacturers are focusing on developing products that are compatible with smartphones. The users have more control over the setting if they are shifting to different environments. The major benefit of the hearing aid connected with a smartphone is they can change the volume, bass, and treble with the app.
Smaller & Sleeker Design
Hearing aid brands carry in the ear (ITE), completely in the canal (CIC), or invisible in the canal (IIC). These are the most discretion and are virtually invisible when worn. Before buying hearing machine always keep in minds such as the size of your ear canal and your degree of hearing loss. Because of their ultra small size.
The new technology inside may not be enough to treat severe or profound cases of hearing loss. On the other hand, behind-the-ear (BTE) models are capable of fighting all types of hearing loss. This hearing aid is getting smaller and sleeker.
myCall-to-text app from Phonak
One amazing innovation in 2019 that is harnessing the power of smartphone connectivity is Phonak’s myCall-to-text app. If you have ever had trouble following conversations on the phone, you know how frustrating it can be for both you and the person on the other line. Phonak came up with an extraordinary solution that allows you to read, in real time, what your conversation part says.
During a call, the app writes out what the other person is saying so that you can read what you hear on your smartphone. You can even save the transcription and read it at a later time. The myCall-to-text app is just one example of the type of innovations that are in store for this year and the years to come.
Features of Hearing Aids
Most of the deaf machine is digital and need professional fitting and programming by hearing care practitioners. These digital hearing aid providing great flexibility than previous hearing aid generations. The audiologist can set them to amplify precisely the frequencies needed for each individual.
As the level of latest technology increasing day-to-day from basic to advanced. All the features of digital hearing aid devices becoming more automatic and dynamic to adjust rapidly to any listening situations.
The following are examples of features that are usually included in digital hearing aid technology. These include:
- Number of channels
- Directional microphone systems
- Digital noise reduction systems
- Impulse noise reduction
- Feedback management systems
- Telecoil
- FM compatibility
