What’s a cyborg? If you get swept up in science fiction movies, you most likely think of cyborgs as sort of half-human, half machine characters (these characters are typically cleverly used to touch on the human condition). You can get some truly fantastic cyborgs in Hollywood.
But the truth is that, technically, anyone who wears a pair of glasses could be viewed as a cyborg. The glasses, in fact, are a technology that has been incorporated into a biological process.
The human condition is usually enhanced using these technologies. So you’re actually the coolest type of cyborg around if you’re using an assistive listening device. And there’s much more technology where that comes from.
Drawbacks of hearing loss
There are absolutely some drawbacks that come with hearing loss.
It’s hard to keep up with the plot when you go see a movie. It’s even more challenging to understand what your grandkids are talking about (part of this is because you have no clue what K-pop is, and you never will, but mostly it’s due to hearing loss). And this can affect your life in very profound (often negative) ways.
The world can become very quiet if your hearing loss is neglected. This is where technology comes in.
How can technology alleviate hearing loss?
“Assistive listening device” is the general category that any device which helps you hear better is put into. Ok, it does sound somewhat technical! You might be thinking: what are assistive listening devices? Is there someplace I can go and purchase one of these devices? Are there challenges to utilizing assistive listening devices?
These questions are all normal.
Mostly, we’re accustomed to regarding technology for hearing loss in a rather monolithic way: hearing aids. Because hearing aids are a crucial part of dealing with hearing loss, that’s reasonable. But hearing aids aren’t the only type of assistive hearing device. And you will be capable of enjoying the world around you more when you correctly use these devices.
What kinds of assistive listening devices are there?
Induction loops
Often called a “hearing loop,” the technology of an induction loop sounds really complex (there are electromagnetic fields involved). Here are the basics: individuals who wear hearing aids can hear more clearly in areas with a hearing loop which are normally well marked with signage.
Basically, hearing loops use magnetic fields to make a speaker’s voice more clear. Here are some examples of when an induction loop can be helpful:
- Locations that tend to be loud (such as waiting rooms or hotel lobbies).
- Presentations, movies, or other events that depend on amplification.
- Spots that tend to have a lot of echoes or have poor acoustics.
FM systems
An FM hearing assistance system works a lot like a radio or a walkie-talkie. A transmitter, typically a speaker or microphone, and a receiver, such as a hearing aid, are required for this type of system to work. FM systems are useful for:
- Civil and governmental locations (for example, in courtrooms).
- An occasion where amplified sound is used, including music from a speaker or sound at a movie.
- Whenever it’s difficult to hear because of a loud environment.
- Education environments, such as classrooms or conferences.
Infrared systems
There are similarities between an infrared system and an FM system. It’s composed of a receiver and an amplifier. With an IR system, the receiver is usually worn around your neck (kind of like a lanyard). Here are some instances where IR systems can be useful:
- Inside environments. IR systems are frequently impacted by strong sunlight. So this type of technology works best in indoor settings.
- Individuals who have cochlear implants or hearing aids.
- Scenarios where there’s one primary speaker at a time.
Personal amplifiers
Personal amplifiers are a lot like less specialized and less powerful versions of a hearing aid. In general, they feature a microphone and a speaker. The sound is being amplified through the speakers after being detected by the microphone. Personal amplifiers come in a few different styles and types, which could make them a confusing possible option.
- For best outcomes, speak with us before using personal amplifiers of any type.
- For individuals who only need amplification in certain circumstances or have very mild hearing loss, these devices would be a practical option.
- You need to be careful, though, these devices can expedite the decline of your hearing, especially if you aren’t careful. (You’re essentially putting an extremely loud speaker right inside of your ear, after all.)
Amplified phones
Phones and hearing aids don’t always get along very well. Sometimes you have feedback, sometimes things become a little garbled, sometimes you can’t get the volume quite right.
One option for this is an amplified phone. These devices allow you to have control of the volume of the phone’s speaker, so you can make it as loud or quiet as you need, depending on the situation. Here are some things that these devices are good for:
- People who only have a difficult time hearing or understanding conversations on the phone.
- Households where the phone is used by several people.
- Individuals who don’t use Bluetooth enabled devices, like their phone or their hearing aid.
Alerting devices
Sometimes called signalers or notification devices, alerting devices utilize 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 instance. So when something around your workplace or home needs your attention, even without your hearing aids, you’ll be aware of it.
Alerting devices are a good solution for:
- Individuals who periodically remove their hearing aids (everyone needs a break sometimes).
- Home and office spaces.
- Anyone whose hearing is totally or nearly totally gone.
- Situations where lack of attention could be dangerous (for instance, when a smoke alarm sounds).
Telecoils
Again, we come back to the sometimes frustrating connection between your telephone and your hearing aid. The feedback that occurs when two speakers are put in front of each other isn’t pleasant. This is basically what happens when you put a phone speaker close to a hearing aid.
That connection can be bypassed by a telecoil. You will be capable of hearing all of your calls without feedback as your telecoil links your hearing aid directly to your phone. They’re great for:
- Individuals who have hearing aids.
- Anyone who isn’t connected to Bluetooth in any way.
- Anyone who regularly talks on the phone.
Captioning
Nowadays, it has become fairly commonplace for people to use captions and subtitles to enjoy media. You will find captions pretty much everywhere! Why? Because they make it a little bit easier to understand what you’re watching.
For individuals with hearing loss, captions will help them be able to comprehend what they’re watching even with noisy conversations around them and can work together with their hearing aids so they can hear dialog even when it’s mumbled.
The rewards of using assistive listening devices
So, now your greatest question may be: where can I get assistive listening devices? This question indicates a recognition of the advantages of these technologies for individuals who use hearing aids.
Obviously, every individual won’t get the benefit of every type of technology. If you have a cell phone with easy-to-use volume control, you may not require an amplifying phone, for instance. If you don’t have the right type of hearing aid, a telecoil might be useless to you.
But you have options and that’s really the point. After you start personalizing your journey toward being an awesome cyborg, you will be ready to get the most out of your life. It’s time to get back into that conversation with your grandkids.
Hearing Assistive Technology can help you hear better in specific situations but not all. If you want to hear better, call us today!
