Are you familiar with what a cyborg is? You probably imagine a half human, half machine when you think about cyborgs, especially if you love science fiction movies (the human condition is frequently cleverly portrayed with these characters). Hollywood cyborgs can seem wildly outlandish.
But in reality, someone wearing something as simple as a pair of glasses could be considered a cyborg. The glasses, after all, are a technology that has been incorporated into a biological process.
The human experience is usually enhanced with these technologies. Which means, if you’re wearing an assistive listening device, like a hearing aid, you’re the coolest type of cyborg in the world. And the best part is that the technology doesn’t end there.
Negative aspects of hearing loss
Hearing loss undeniably comes with some drawbacks.
When you go to see a movie, it can be difficult to keep up with the plot. Understanding your grandchildren is even more difficult (some of that is attributable to the age-gap, but for the most part, it’s hearing loss). And it can be profound (and often negative) how much your life can be affected.
Left untreated, the world can become pretty quiet. This is where technology comes in.
How can technology alleviate hearing loss?
Generally speaking, technology that helps you hear better is lumped into the category of “assistive listening devices”. Ok, it does sound a bit technical! You may be thinking: what are assistive listening devices? Is there someplace I can go and buy one of these devices? Are there challenges to using assistive listening devices?
These questions are all standard.
Usually, hearing aids are what we think of when we think about hearing aid technology. That’s reasonable, as hearing aids are a vital part of dealing with hearing loss. But hearing aids aren’t the only kind of assistive hearing device. And, used correctly, these hearing devices can help you more fully enjoy the world around you.
What are the different types of assistive listening devices?
Induction loops
Induction loops, also called hearing loops, use technology that sounds quite complex. Here’s what you need to know: individuals who wear hearing aids can hear more clearly in places with a hearing loop which are normally well marked with signage.
Essentially, hearing loops use magnetic fields to make a speaker’s voice more clear. Induction loops are good for:
- Lobbies, waiting rooms, and other noisy settings.
- Presentations, movies, or other situations that depend on amplification.
- Spots that tend to have a lot of echoes or have low-quality acoustics.
FM systems
These FM systems are similar to a walkie-talkie or radio. In order for this system to function, you need two components: a transmitter (normally a microphone or sound system) and a receiver (often in the form of a hearing aid). FM systems are useful for:
- Education situations, including classrooms or conferences.
- Whenever it’s hard to hear because of a loud environment.
- Anybody who wants to listen to sound systems that use amplification (this includes things like a speaker during a presentation or dialogue during a movie).
- Civil and governmental locations (for instance, in courtrooms).
Infrared systems
There are similarities between an infrared system and an FM system. It consists of a receiver and an amplifier. Usually, the receiver is worn around the neck with an IR system. Here are some instances where IR systems can be helpful:
- Individuals who use cochlear implants or hearing aids.
- Inside settings. IR systems are frequently effected by strong sunlight. So this type of technology works best in inside spaces.
- When you’re listening to one primary person talking.
Personal amplifiers
Personal amplifiers are kind of like hearing aids, only less specialized and less powerful. Generally, they consist of a microphone and a speaker. The microphone detects sounds and amplifies them through a speaker. Personal amplifiers come in a few different styles and types, which might make them a confusing possible option.
- These devices are good for individuals who have very minor hearing loss or only require amplification in specific situations.
- Before you use any kind of personal amplifier, consult us about it first.
- You need to be cautious, 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 in your ear, after all.)
Amplified phones
Hearing aids and phones often have difficulty with one another. Sometimes you have feedback, sometimes things become a little garbled, sometimes you can’t have a hard time getting the volume quite right.
Amplified phones are a solution. Depending on the circumstance, these phones let you control the volume of the speaker. These devices are good for:
- People who don’t have their phone connected to their Bluetooth hearing aid (or who don’t have Bluetooth offered on either their hearing aids or their primary telephone).
- Households where the phone is used by several people.
- People who only have a difficult time hearing or understanding conversations over the phone.
Alerting devices
Often called signalers or notification devices, alerting devices use lights, vibration, or occasionally loud noises to get your attention when something happens. When the microwave bings, the doorbell dings, or the phone rings, for example. So when something around your workplace or home requires your consideration, even without your hearing aids, you’ll be conscious of it.
Alerting devices are an excellent solution for:
- Home and office spaces.
- When you take breaks from your hearing aids.
- Individuals with complete or nearly complete hearing loss.
- When alarm sounds like a smoke detector could create a dangerous situation.
Telecoils
Once again, we come back to the occasionally frustrating link between your telephone and your hearing aid. When you hold a speaker up to another speaker, it creates feedback (sometimes painful feedback). When you hold a hearing aid close to a phone, the same thing happens.
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:
- Individuals who don’t have access to Bluetooth hearing aids or phones.
- Individuals who use the phone frequently.
- Anyone who uses hearing aids.
Captioning
Closed captions (and subtitles more broadly) have become a mainstay of the way people enjoy media nowadays. You will find captions just about everywhere! Why? Because they make what you’re watching a bit easier to understand.
When you’re dealing with hearing loss, captions can work in conjunction with your hearing aids, helping you understand mumbled dialogue or making sure you can follow your favorite show even when there’s distracting conversation nearby.
The advantages of using assistive listening devices
So where can you get assistive listening devices? That’s a good question because it means you’ve recognized how all of these technologies can be advantageous to those who have hearing loss.
To be sure, not every strategy is right for every person. If you have a cell phone with easy-to-use volume control, you might not need an amplifying phone, for example. A telecoil might not even work for you if you don’t have the right kind of hearing aid.
But you have options and that’s really the point. You can personalize the type of incredible cyborg you want to be (and you will be amazing, we promise)–so that you can get the most out of life. So you can more easily understand the dialogue at the movies or the conversation with your grandkids.
Some situations will call for assistive listening technology and others won’t. If you’re interested in hearing better, call us today!
