What are the Hottest Hearing Aid Features?

The world of hearing aids is constantly evolving. There are so many new features and advances in technology that it can be challenging to keep up with all the changes. The latest digital hearing aid technology is so advanced; you can’t help but wonder how they work. This article explains the hottest hearing aid features that are found in today’s devices.

Digital Noise Reduction

Digital noise reduction reduces background sounds to make it easier to understand speech and other essential sounds around you. It also works well at minimizing wind or rain noise during outdoor activities such as hunting or fishing. However, this feature doesn’t permanently block out all distractions because it requires constant monitoring by you. You can have difficulty picking up on quiet nuances of sound, which may be missed if too much ambient is blocked out through active listening.

Variable Speed Processing

Variable speed processing will help you to separate words into individual sounds. This also allows you to slow down or speed up speech rather than being stuck at one pace, which can be challenging for some who have trouble following along. However, this feature only works on devices set up in pairing mode. It cannot process signals from both ears simultaneously unless it is a “dual-mode” model.

Variable Feedback Cancellation

Variable feedback cancellation minimizes the irritating sound of whistling that occurs when a hearing aid is too close to an eardrum. This can be highly distressing for you. This feature will only work if you use it in conjunction with “noise management” programming. But not during phone conversations where its effectiveness cannot be guaranteed, according to some experts. This may vary depending on whether they are using analog devices.

Directional Microphones

Directional microphones amplify the sound coming from your front while minimizing background noise such as traffic or chit-chat happening behind you. This will allow you to focus on what matters most. In addition, these systems will automatically switch between directional modes depending upon where its wearer turns their head when they want to focus more on one person or another.

Bluetooth Connectivity

Bluetooth connectivity allows you to easily stream media directly from your cell phone without having to look down at screens or hold up bulky handsets near your ears like before. However, this does require your device(s) have sufficient memory space capacity to accommodate the files you want to play. Plus, it will drain your phone battery faster than usual. You’ll also need to regularly charge both devices for them to work properly together within a specific range. Of course, this depends upon many factors, such as how old they are and what type of technology is used.

Other Desired Features

There are many more hot features for hearing aids like:

• Speech-in-noise amplification
• Wireless streaming capability: Allows you to listen to TV or radio without wires
• Remote controls: Will enable you to adjust your devices from anywhere in the house
• Tinnitus masking capability: Mask unwanted noise so that only what is needed can be heard clearly
• Wireless charging capabilities: No more searching for batteries

There are so many amazing hearing aid features out there today to choose from, but these top the list for best in class. Make sure to discuss all the options with your hearing instrument specialist (HIS) before making a final purchasing decision. With all of this new technology comes great responsibility. Make an informed choice and enjoy.