For as long as there have been people, there has been hearing loss. But it wasn\u2019t until the 17th century that the first hearing assistive device was invented: an \u201cear trumpet\u201d that amplified sounds so people could hear more clearly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Hearing aids, as we recognize them today, were not invented until the turn of the 20th century. It was 1898 when Miller Reese Hutchison created the first electric hearing device using technology based on the telephone, another recent invention of the time. From there, steady improvements were made throughout the decades in both the appearance and performance of hearing assistive devices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Today\u2019s advanced hearing aid technology is based on many of these early developments. However, they are also more compact, more convenient, and more powerful than ever before \u2013 and that\u2019s amazing news for anyone struggling with hearing loss.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So, what do modern-day hearing aids have to offer? I\u2019ve put together a quick guide to advancements in hearing aid technology, including the cutting-edge features that are a mainstay of today\u2019s devices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are four basic components to any hearing aid: a microphone, a receiver, a processor, and a power source. Advanced hearing aid options build on these basics, improving existing technology and working in additional features to improve both the utility of the device and the quality of life of the user.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Some innovative \u201cHearing Aid Advances<\/a>\u201d include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n What all of these impressive advances in hearing aid technology have in common is that all of them are relatively new technologies developed in the late 20th & early 21st centuries. So, while the early history of hearing devices was largely focused on establishing the basic function of amplifying sound, today\u2019s hearing aid technology is more driven toward improving the quality of the sounds you hear and linking your hearing aid technology to your other daily devices for added usability and features.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As a Doctor of Audiology, I get asked all sorts of questions about hearing aids, from \u201cWhat is the most technologically advanced hearing aid?\u201d to \u201cHow do I choose a hearing aid?\u201d Of course, these are extremely loaded questions that cannot be answered the same way for different people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n They also come with a lot of outdated hearing aid advice and misconceptions. Let\u2019s clear up some of the most common ones to help you or a loved one in your journey to choosing the best hearing aid for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n We\u2019ve come a long way from the ear trumpets of the 17th century. Significant advances in the miniaturization of electronic components have allowed for hearing aids to be a fraction of the size compared to hearing aids from just a few years ago. Today\u2019s advanced hearing aids are incredibly discreet and ergonomic, so much so that you might even forget you\u2019re wearing one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n While early hearing aids primarily focused on amplifying all sounds, modern hearing aids do a lot more than that. Among the advances in hearing aids have been remarkable improvements in digital signal processing, programming customization, Speech enhancement, & noise reduction features, making sound not just louder but also more clear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There is an array of hearing aid options available, with wide variations in the style of hearing aid, its features, & capabilities. This is why having an excellent hearing care professional who is familiar with multiple brands of hearing aids is so critical. They will be able to identify which hearing aids are best for you based on your specific wants and needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Contrary to what some may assume, there is a plethora of reasonably priced advanced hearing aids, which means there\u2019s no reason to break the bank when acquiring them. Work with a certified provider<\/a> to compare not just hearing aid features but prices as well so that you can get what you need at a price that fits your budget.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Despite many hearing aids looking very similar, each device must be custom fit & programmed to the hearing loss of an individual user. In many cases, laser 3D scans can be taken of your ears to build custom products designed perfectly for you and your unique ears.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Advances in technology have made it possible to get a hearing aid that is uniquely suited to each individual, with added features that enhance your hearing and user experience. That means that no matter what your needs are, there is a hearing aid out there for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As with any treatment for hearing loss, early intervention can make all the difference. Explore our resources on HearingLoss.com<\/a> to learn more about your options, and take our online guided hearing experience<\/a> to get a baseline understanding of what your hearing needs might be. We are also here to help connect you with a certified provider who can work with you every step of the way to find an advanced hearing aid that is best for you.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" For as long as there have been people, there has been hearing loss. But it wasn\u2019t until the 17th century that the first hearing assistive device was invented: an \u201cear trumpet\u201d that amplified sounds so people could hear more clearly. Hearing aids, as we recognize them today, were not invented until the turn of the […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":18,"featured_media":65081,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-65077","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-uncategorized","entry"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\n\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\n
Clearing Up Hearing Aid Misconceptions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Misconception #1: Hearing Aids Are Large & Bulky<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Misconception #2: All Hearing Aids Do is Amplify Sound<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Misconception #3: Most Hearing Aids Are Pretty Much the Same<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Misconception #4: Hearing Aids Are Very Expensive<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Misconception #5: Hearing Aids are One-Size-Fits-All<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Find the Hearing Aid That\u2019s Right for You<\/h2>\n\n\n\n