What is a cyborg? If you get swept up in science fiction movies, you most likely think of cyborgs as sort of half-human, half machine characters (the human condition is frequently cleverly depicted with these characters). You can get some truly fantastic cyborgs in Hollywood.
But the truth is that, technically, anybody who wears a pair of glasses could be viewed as a cyborg. The glasses, after all, are a technology that has been incorporated into biology.
The human experience is generally enhanced with these technologies. So, if you’re wearing an assistive listening device, like a hearing aid, you’re the coolest kind of cyborg anywhere. And there’s much more technology where that comes from.
Hearing loss disadvantages
There are definitely some negative aspects that come with hearing loss.
It’s hard to keep up with the plot when you go see a movie. It’s even harder to make out what your grandkids are talking about (part of this is because you have no idea what K-pop is, and you never will, but mostly it’s the result of hearing loss). And this can impact your life in extremely profound (often negative) ways.
The world can become really quiet if your hearing loss is neglected. This is where technology comes in.
How can technology help with hearing loss?
Generally speaking, technology that helps you hear better is lumped into the category of “assistive listening devices”. That sounds pretty technical, right? You might be thinking: what are assistive listening devices? Where can I buy assistive listening devices? Are there challenges to using assistive listening devices?
Those are all fair questions!
Mostly, we’re used to thinking of technology for hearing loss in a very monolithic way: hearing aids. Because hearing aids are a crucial part of treating hearing loss, that’s reasonable. But hearing aids aren’t the only kind of assistive hearing device. And you will be able to enjoy the world around you more when you properly utilize these devices.
What are the different kinds of assistive listening devices?
Induction loops
Induction loops, also known as hearing loops, utilize technology that sounds quite complex. Here’s what you need to know: people with hearing aids can hear more clearly in places with a hearing loop which are usually well marked with signage.
Essentially, hearing loops use magnetic fields to make a speaker’s voice more clear. Induction loops are great for:
- Spots that tend to have a lot of echoes or have poor acoustics.
- Settings that tend to be loud (such as waiting rooms or hotel lobbies).
- Presentations, movies, or other events that depend on amplification.
FM systems
An FM hearing assistance system works much like a radio or a walkie-talkie. A transmitter, usually a speaker or microphone, and a receiver, such as a hearing aid, are needed for this kind of system to work. Here are some situations where an FM system will be useful:
- An occasion where amplified sound is being used, including music from a speaker or sound at a movie.
- Conferences, classrooms, and other educational activities.
- Anywhere that is loud and noisy, particularly where that noise makes it difficult to hear.
- Civil and governmental locations (for instance, in courtrooms).
Infrared systems
There are similarities between an infrared system and an FM system. There’s an amplifier and a receiver. Usually, the receiver is worn around the neck with an IR system. Here are some examples where IR systems can be helpful:
- Individuals who have cochlear implants or hearing aids.
- Inside environments. IR systems are often effected by strong sunlight. Consequently, indoor venues are usually the best ones for this sort of technology.
- When you’re listening to one main person speaking.
Personal amplifiers
Personal amplifiers are a lot like less specialized and less powerful versions of a hearing aid. They’re generally composed of a speaker and a microphone. The sound is being amplified through the speakers after being picked up by the microphone. Personal amplifiers may seem like a confusing solution since they come in various styles and types.
- For individuals who only need amplification in certain circumstances or have very minor hearing loss, these devices would be a good option.
- For best outcomes, speak with us before using personal amplifiers of any kind.
- You need to be careful, though, these devices can expedite the decline of your hearing, particularly if you aren’t careful. (You’re basically putting an extremely loud speaker right inside of your ear, after all.)
Amplified phones
Phones and hearing aids don’t always get along very well. The sound can become garbled or too low in volume and sometimes you can get feedback.
Amplified phones are an option. These devices allow you to have control of the volume of the phone’s speaker, so you can make it as loud or quiet as you want, depending on the circumstance. These devices are good for:
- People who don’t have their phone connected to their Bluetooth hearing aid (or who don’t have Bluetooth available on either their hearing aids or their primary telephone).
- Individuals who only have a difficult time hearing or understanding conversations on the phone.
- Households where the phone is used by multiple people.
Alerting devices
Often called signalers or notification devices, alerting devices use lights, vibration, or occasionally loud noises to get your attention when something occurs. For example, when the doorbell dings, the phone rings, or the microwave bings. This means even if you aren’t using your hearing aids, you’ll still be alert when something around your home or office requires your consideration.
Alerting devices are a good solution for:
- People who have total or near total hearing loss.
- Individuals who periodically remove their hearing aids (everybody needs a break now and then).
- When in the office or at home.
- Circumstances where lack of attention could be dangerous (for instance, when a smoke alarm sounds).
Telecoils
Again, we come back to the occasionally frustrating link between your telephone and your hearing aid. The feedback that happens when two speakers are put in front of each other is not pleasant. When you put a hearing aid close to a phone, the same thing occurs.
A telecoil is a way to get around that connection. You will be capable of hearing all of your calls without feedback as your telecoil connects your hearing aid directly to your phone. They’re great for:
- Anybody who isn’t connected to Bluetooth in any way.
- Individuals who use the phone often.
- People who have hearing aids.
Captioning
Nowadays, it has become rather commonplace for people to use captions and subtitles to enjoy media. You will find captions just about everywhere! Why? Because they make what you’re watching a bit easier to understand.
When you have hearing loss, captions can work in conjunction with your hearing aids, helping you understand mumbled dialogue or ensuring you can hear your favorite show even when there’s distracting conversation nearby.
The advantages of using assistive listening devices
So, now your biggest question might be: where can I purchase assistive listening devices? That’s a good question because it means you’ve acknowledged how all of these technologies can be advantageous to people with hearing loss.
To be sure, not every solution is right for every person. If you have a cell phone with easy-to-use volume control, you may not need an amplifying phone, for example. A telecoil may not even work for you if you don’t have the right type of hearing aid.
But you have options and that’s really the point. After you start customizing your journey toward being an awesome cyborg, you will be ready to get the most out of your life. So you can more easily understand the dialogue at the movies or the conversation with your grandchildren.
Hearing Assistive Technology can help you hear better in certain situations but not all. Call us as soon as possible so we can help you hear better!
