Discover the latest advancements that can make living with hearing loss easier.
Hearing loss technology has come a long way since the first device emerged in the 1200s. These exciting technological advancements can help make living with hearing loss easier for the more than 48 million people experiencing hearing loss in the United States. Here are six new and emerging hearing loss technologies to watch in 2019 and beyond:
- Bluetooth and wireless connectivity
- Music and bone conduction technology
- Speech-to-text apps
- Hearing aid advancements
- Captioned telephones
- AI assistants
Keep reading to learn more about each of these technologies for people who experience hearing loss.
1. Bluetooth and wireless connectivity
Wearable technology is an increasingly popular trend in the last few years with the advent of smartwatches and fitness trackers. This same Bluetooth capability is moving to become an industry standard for hearing aids and other assistive devices as well, because of its convenient ability to connect devices together. This connection allows you to turn your hearing aids into a wireless headset to use with your smartphone, TV, or other devices.
2. Music and bone conduction technology
Bone conduction is a hearing loss technology that allows you to “hear” sound through the vibration of the jaw and cheek bones of your face. This method makes the sound waves bypass your eardrum and directly stimulate the inner ear. For people who experience hearing loss but retain function in their cochlea, bone conduction headphones provide a way to experience music. Although the quality of sound is less than traditional air conduction headphones, this technology continues to improve and provide a hearing loss-friendly option for music aficionados.
Get in tune with these famous musicians who experienced hearing loss throughout history.
3. Speech-to-text apps
Real-time communication is now easier with various speech-to-text apps. This hearing loss technology converts spoken conversations into text in real-time and is useful for live events such as presentations and conferences, where the text is projected onto a large screen. There are also several that include speech-to-text and other functionality.
4. Hearing aid advancements
Hearing aids and other wearable devices are becoming smaller and sleeker, with additional features added every year. A large variety of styles allow for customization and personalization, while features such as ear-to-ear connectivity, noise reduction software, and directional microphones make devices more effective and easier to use.
5. Captioned telephones
CapTel captioned telephones show captions of everything a caller says over the phone, giving people with hearing loss the confidence to know they’ll “catch” every word of the conversation. There are several models to choose from, including touch screen technology, traditional telephone styles, or large display options for people who require extra-large font sizes. With options like built in Bluetooth connectivity, a speakerphone, an answering machine that captions your messages, and customizable sound frequency screening, people with hearing loss can enjoy talking on the phone again.
Discover how to choose the right captioned telephone for you here.
6. AI assistants
Some companies are developing artificial intelligence (AI) assistants to help predict the best fit for a hearing aid or cochlear implant. This technology in the audiologist’s office could shorten the detection and diagnosis process and ease the experience of getting an assistive listening device. The ways in which technological advancements can improve audiology is exciting to consider and may be one of the most compelling areas for growth in the years to come.
Learn more about audiology from this Q& A article on what you need to know about an audiologist.
Are you already benefitting from any of these technologies? Are there other high-tech gadgets for hearing loss that you’ve found helpful? For more articles on living with hearing loss, visit our blog.
To learn how a CapTel captioned telephone can help people with hearing loss stay connected to family and friends, call us today at (800) 233-9130.
