What’s a cyborg? If you get swept up in science fiction movies, you 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 really wild cyborgs in Hollywood.
But the truth is that, technically, anyone who wears a pair of glasses could be viewed as a cyborg. After all, biology has been enhanced with technology.
These technologies typically add to the human condition. So you’re actually the coolest type of cyborg around if you’re using an assistive listening device. And the best part is that the technology doesn’t end there.
Hearing loss negative aspects
Hearing loss certainly comes with some negatives.
When you go to the movies, it can be difficult to keep up with the plot. Understanding your grandkids is even harder (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 impacted.
Left unchecked, the world can get pretty quiet. That’s where technology has a role to play.
How can technology help with hearing loss?
Broadly speaking, technology that helps you have better hearing is lumped into the category of “assistive listening devices”. Ok, it does sound a bit technical! The question may arise: exactly what are assistive listening devices? Is there someplace I can go and buy one of these devices? What challenges will I confront?
These questions are all normal.
Usually, hearing aids are what we think of when we consider hearing aid technology. That’s logical, 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 you will be able to enjoy the world around you more when you correctly use these devices.
What are the different types of assistive listening devices?
Induction loops
Induction loops, also known as hearing loops, use technology that sounds quite complex. Here are the basics: areas with hearing loops are typically well marked with signage and they can help people with hearing aids hear more clearly, even in noisy settings.
A speaker will sound more clear due to the magnetic fields in a hearing loop. Here are a few examples of when an induction loop can be helpful:
- Locations with bad acoustic qualities like echoes.
- Locations that tend to be noisy (such as waiting rooms or hotel lobbies).
- Presentations, movies, or other situations that depend on amplification.
FM systems
An FM hearing assistance system works much like a radio or a walkie-talkie. A transmitter, typically a speaker or microphone, and a receiver, like a hearing aid, are required for this kind of system to function. FM systems are great for:
- Whenever it’s hard to hear because of a noisy environment.
- Education situations, such as classrooms or conferences.
- Courtrooms and other government or civil buildings.
- 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).
Infrared systems
There are similarities between an infrared system and an FM system. There’s an amplifier and a receiver. With an IR system, the receiver is often worn around your neck (sort of like a lanyard). IR hearing assistance systems are ideal for:
- Situations where there’s one primary speaker at a time.
- People who wear hearing aids or cochlear implants.
- Inside environments. IR systems are often effected by strong sunlight. Because of this, indoor settings are generally the best ones for this type of technology.
Personal amplifiers
Personal amplifiers are like less specialized and less powerful versions of a hearing aid. In general, they consist of a microphone and a speaker. The microphone detects sounds and amplifies them through a speaker. Personal amplifiers may seem like a tricky solution since they come in various styles and types.
- Your basically putting a very loud speaker right inside of your ear so you need to be cautious not to further damage your hearing.
- For best outcomes, consult us before using personal amplifiers of any type.
- These devices are good for individuals who have very minor hearing loss or only require amplification in specific situations.
Amplified phones
Phones and hearing aids don’t always get along swimmingly. The sound can get garbled or too low in volume and sometimes there can be feedback.
Amplified phones are an option. These devices give you control over the volume of the phone’s speaker, so you can make it as loud or quiet as you need, depending on the situation. These devices are good for:
- People who don’t have their phone synced to their Bluetooth hearing aid (or who don’t have Bluetooth offered on either their hearing aids or their principal telephone).
- Individuals who only have a hard time understanding or hearing conversations on the phone.
- When multiple people in a home use a single phone.
Alerting devices
When something happens, 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 example. 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:
- When alarm sounds such as a smoke detector could lead to a dangerous situation.
- Home and office settings.
- Individuals who have complete or nearly complete hearing loss.
- People who periodically remove their hearing aids (everyone needs a break sometimes).
Telecoils
Again, we come back to the occasionally frustrating link between your telephone and your hearing aid. When you put a speaker up to another speaker, it produces feedback (sometimes painful feedback). When you put a hearing aid next to a phone, the same thing occurs.
That connection can be bypassed by a telecoil. You will be able to hear all of your calls without feedback as your telecoil connects your hearing aid directly to your phone. They’re good for:
- People who use the phone frequently.
- People who have hearing aids.
- Anyone who isn’t connected to Bluetooth in any way.
Captioning
Closed captions (and subtitles more generally) have become a normal way for people to enjoy media nowadays. You will find captions pretty much everywhere! Why? Because they make it a little bit easier to understand what you’re watching.
When you have hearing loss, captions can work in combination 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.
What are the advantages of using assistive listening devices?
So where can you get assistive listening devices? This question implies a recognition of the benefits of these technologies for individuals who use hearing aids.
To be sure, not every solution 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 instance. If you don’t have the right kind of hearing aid, a telecoil may be useless to you.
But you have choices and that’s really the point. After you begin 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 specific situations but not all. Call us right away so we can help you hear better!
