Hearing Aid Accessories and Assistive Technology
Hearing aids can help wearers communicate and interact with the world. They are powerful tools that can improve the quality of life of those who are hearing impaired. However, hearing aids can be made even more powerful with the help of today’s latest technology. Accessories can help hearing aids connect to other devices, while assistive devices can complement hearing aids to improve daily tasks. Here are a few of the best on the market today.
Wireless Microphone
Catching up with a friend over lunch is a great way to recharge and stay connected. But, add in the sounds of clinking glasses, other conversations, and loud music, and it quickly becomes difficult to carry on a meaningful conversation—even with hearing aids in. That’s when a wireless microphone can come in handy. The friend can wear the microphone on their lapel or collar, and the microphone can connect directly to a Bluetooth-enabled hearing aid device for clean, uninterrupted amplification. In group settings, the microphone can also be placed in the center of the table to amplify everyone’s voices.
Phone Clip
Smartphones are an integral part of navigating today’s world. Sometimes smartphones aren’t so smart when it comes to working with hearing aids though. By using a phone clip, hearing aid wearers can stream phone calls directly into the hearing device using a Bluetooth connection. The clip can also stream podcasts, music, and other audio apps from the phone into the hearing aid for seamless listening.
TV Streamers
Most hearing aids feature a TV streaming option that streams audio directly into hearing aids. Wearers should first check that their TV and hearing aids are compatible before purchasing. Usually, only one TV can be connected at a time, so users can either buy multiple devices or disconnect and reconnect to the desired TV.
Alerting Devices
The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) funds research into assistive technology and recommends alerting devices to help around the home. These devices use vibrations, lights, and amplified sound to alert those with hearing loss. They are especially helpful to signal when someone is at the front door, to act as an alarm in the morning, or for parents and caretakers to monitor babies. Some vibrating pagers can even analyze a baby’s cry to light up different pictures that indicate why they might be crying.
Hearing loss doesn’t have to be an obstacle; with the help of assistive technology and hearing aid accessories, patients have more options than ever to enjoy life at full volume. At Associated Hearing Professionals, we rely on the latest hearing aid technology to offer our patients smart hearing solutions. Let our compassionate team help you with a comprehensive hearing evaluation to determine the best options for your level of hearing loss. Schedule your first appointment today.