Do you know what a cyborg is? You likely imagine a half human, half machine when you think about cyborgs, especially if you enjoy science fiction movies (these characters are usually cleverly utilized to touch on the human condition). You can get some really fantastic cyborgs in Hollywood.
But the reality 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.
These technologies typically add to the human condition. Which means, if you’re using an assistive listening device, such as a hearing aid, you’re the coolest type of cyborg anywhere. And there’s a lot more technology where that comes from.
Disadvantages of hearing loss
There are definitely some disadvantages that come with hearing loss.
It’s difficult to follow the plot when you go see a movie. It’s even more challenging 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 because of hearing loss). And this can affect your life in extremely profound (often negative) ways.
The world can become very quiet if your hearing loss is disregarded. That’s where technology has a role to play.
How can hearing loss be managed with technology?
“Assistive listening device” is the general category that any device which helps your hearing is put into. Ok, it does sound a bit technical! You might be thinking: what are assistive listening devices? Is there somewhere I can go and purchase one of these devices? Are there challenges to utilizing assistive listening devices?
Those are all reasonable questions!
Typically, hearing aids are what we think of when we think about hearing aid technology. Because hearing aids are a crucial part of treating hearing loss, that’s reasonable. But hearing aids aren’t the only type of assistive hearing device. And you will be able to enjoy the world around you more when you correctly utilize these devices.
What types of assistive listening devices are there?
Induction loops
Sometimes called a “hearing loop,” the technology of an induction loop sounds really complex (there are electromagnetic fields involved). Here’s what you need to know: areas with hearing loops are typically well marked with signage and they can help people with hearing aids hear more clearly, even in noisy areas.
Basically, hearing loops use magnetic fields to make a speaker’s voice more clear. Induction loops are good for:
- Presentations, movies, or other situations that rely on amplification.
- Locations with bad acoustic qualities like echoes.
- Locations that tend to be loud (including waiting rooms or hotel lobbies).
FM systems
These FM systems are similar to a walkie-talkie or radio. A transmitter, usually a speaker or microphone, and a receiver, such as a hearing aid, are required for this type of system to function. Here are some scenarios where an FM system will be helpful:
- Civil and governmental environments (for instance, in courtrooms).
- Whenever it’s difficult to hear due to a noisy environment.
- An occasion where amplified sound is used, including music from a speaker or sound at a movie.
- Education environments, including classrooms or conferences.
Infrared systems
An infrared system is a lot like an FM system. It’s composed of a receiver and an amplifier. Usually, the receiver is worn around the neck with an IR system. IR hearing assistance systems are great for:
- Inside environments. Strong sunlight can impact the signals from an IR system. Consequently, indoor venues are usually the best ones for this type of technology.
- Individuals who use cochlear implants or hearing aids.
- Scenarios where there is one main speaker at a time.
Personal amplifiers
Personal amplifiers are kind of like hearing aids, only less specialized and less powerful. 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 tricky option since they come in several styles and types.
- For best outcomes, talk to us before using personal amplifiers of any kind.
- These devices are good for individuals who have very minor hearing loss or only require amplification in select situations.
- You need to be careful, though, these devices can expedite the decline of your hearing, particularly if you aren’t careful. (You’re essentially putting an extremely loud speaker right in your ear, after all.)
Amplified phones
Phones and hearing aids don’t always get along very well. Sometimes you have feedback, sometimes things get a bit garbled, sometimes you can’t have a hard time getting the volume quite right.
One solution for this is an amplified phone. Depending on the situation, these phones let you control how loud the speaker is. These devices are good for:
- People who only have a difficult time understanding or hearing conversations over the phone.
- When numerous people in a home use a single phone.
- 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).
Alerting devices
When something is going on, these devices (sometimes called signalers or notification devices) use loud noises, vibrations, and flashing lights to get your attention. When the microwave bings, the doorbell dings, or the phone rings, for instance. So when something around your workplace or home needs your consideration, even without your hearing aids, you’ll be aware of it.
Alerting devices are a good solution for:
- People who periodically remove their hearing aids (everyone needs a break sometimes).
- People who have complete or nearly complete hearing loss.
- When alarm sounds like a smoke detector could lead to a dangerous situation.
- When in the office or at home.
Telecoils
So the link (sometimes frustrating) between your hearing aid and phone comes to the front. When you put a speaker up to another speaker, it creates feedback (sometimes painful feedback). When you hold a hearing aid next to a phone, the same thing happens.
A telecoil is a way to bypass that connection. It will connect your hearing aid to your phone directly, so you can hear all of your conversations without noise or feedback. They’re great for:
- Anyone who isn’t connected to Bluetooth in any way.
- People who use the phone often.
- Individuals who have hearing aids.
Captioning
Closed captions (and subtitles more broadly) have become a normal way for people to enjoy media today. You will find captions pretty much everywhere! Why? Because they make what you’re watching a bit easier to understand.
When you have hearing loss, captions can work in combination with your hearing aids, helping you understand mumbled dialogue or ensuring you can follow your favorite show even when there’s distracting conversation nearby.
The advantages of using assistive listening devices
So, now your biggest question may be: where can I buy assistive listening devices? That’s a good question because it means you’ve acknowledged how all of these technologies can be advantageous to people who have hearing loss.
Clearly, every person won’t be benefited by every kind of technology. For example, you may not need an amplifier if you have a phone with reliable volume control. A telecoil might not even work for you if you don’t have the right kind of hearing aid.
The point is that you have options. After you start personalizing your journey toward being an awesome cyborg, you will be ready to get the most out of your life. So you can more easily hear the dialogue at the movies or the conversation with your grandchildren.
Hearing Assistive Technology can help you hear better in specific situations but not all. If you want to hear better, call us today!
