What’s a cyborg? If your mind gets swept up in science fiction movies, you most likely think of cyborgs as kind of half-human, half machine characters (these characters are usually cleverly utilized to touch on the human condition). You can get some truly wild cyborgs in Hollywood.
But in reality, somebody wearing something as basic as 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.
These technologies usually add to the human experience. So you’re actually the coolest kind of cyborg around if you’re using an assistive listening device. And the best part is that the technology doesn’t stop there.
Hearing loss negative aspects
Hearing loss certainly comes with some disadvantages.
It’s hard to follow the plot when you go see a movie. It’s even harder to make out 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 the result of hearing loss). And this can affect your life in extremely profound (often negative) ways.
Left untreated, the world can get pretty quiet. This is where technology comes in.
How can technology alleviate hearing loss?
Broadly speaking, technology that helps you hear better is lumped into the category of “assistive listening devices”. That sounds pretty technical, right? The question might arise: exactly what are assistive listening devices? Where can I buy assistive listening devices? Are there challenges to using assistive listening devices?
These questions are all standard.
Usually, hearing aids are what we think of when we think about hearing aid technology. Because hearing aids are a crucial part of dealing with hearing loss, that’s reasonable. But they’re also just the beginning, there are numerous kinds of assistive hearing devices. And, used correctly, these hearing devices can help you more fully enjoy the world around you.
What are the different kinds of assistive listening devices?
Induction loops
Induction loops, also called hearing loops, use technology that sounds quite complex. Here are the basics: places with hearing loops are usually well marked with signage and they can help those with hearing aids hear more clearly, even in noisy settings.
Essentially, hearing loops use magnetic fields to make a speaker’s voice more clear. Induction loops are good for:
- Locations that tend to have lots of echoes or have poor acoustics.
- Locations that tend to be loud (including waiting rooms or hotel lobbies).
- Events that rely on amplified sound (such as presentations or even movies).
FM systems
These FM systems are like a walkie-talkie or radio. A transmitter, usually a speaker or microphone, and a receiver, such as a hearing aid, are required for this kind of system to work. Here are a few situations where an FM system will be helpful:
- Education environments, such as classrooms or conferences.
- Whenever it’s difficult to hear because of a loud environment.
- Anyone who wants to listen to amplified sound systems (this includes things like a speaker during a presentation or dialogue during a movie).
- Civil and governmental locations (for example, in courtrooms).
Infrared systems
An infrared system is similar to an FM system. There’s an amplifier and a receiver. With an IR system, the receiver is often worn around your neck (kind of like a lanyard). IR hearing assistance systems are great for:
- People who have cochlear implants or hearing aids.
- Indoor settings. IR systems are frequently impacted by strong sunlight. Because of this, indoor settings are usually the best ones for this sort of technology.
- When you’re listening to one main person talking.
Personal amplifiers
Personal amplifiers are sort of like hearing aids, only less specialized and less powerful. They’re generally made of a speaker and a microphone. The sound is being amplified through the speakers after being picked up by the microphone. Personal amplifiers come in a number of different types and styles, which might make them a confusing possible solution.
- You need to be cautious, though, these devices can expedite the decline of your hearing, particularly if you aren’t careful. (You’re basically putting a super loud speaker right inside of your ear, after all.)
- For people who only need amplification in specific situations or have very minor hearing loss, these devices would be a practical choice.
- Before you use any kind of personal amplifier, consult us about it first.
Amplified phones
Phones and hearing aids don’t always get along very well. The sound can become 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 want, depending on the situation. These devices are good for:
- Households where the phone is used by multiple people.
- Individuals 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).
- People who only have a difficult time hearing or understanding conversations on the phone.
Alerting devices
Often called signalers or notification devices, alerting devices use lights, vibration, or occasionally loud noises to get your attention when something happens. For example, when the doorbell dings, the phone rings, or the microwave bings. So when something around your workplace or home needs your consideration, even without your hearing aids, you’ll be conscious of it.
Alerting devices are a good solution for:
- When alarm sounds such as a smoke detector could create a dangerous situation.
- Individuals who have total or near total hearing loss.
- When in the office or at home.
- Individuals who periodically remove their hearing aids (everybody needs a break now and then).
Telecoils
So the link (sometimes discouraging) between your hearing aid and phone comes to the front. When you hold a speaker up to another speaker, it produces feedback (sometimes painful feedback). When you hold a hearing aid close to a phone, the same thing occurs.
A telecoil is a way to get around that connection. You will be capable of hearing all of your calls without feedback as your telecoil connects your hearing aid directly to your phone. They’re great for:
- Individuals who talk on the phone frequently.
- Those who don’t have access to Bluetooth hearing aids or phones.
- People who have hearing aids.
Captioning
Closed captions (and subtitles more generally) have become a normal way for people to enjoy media nowadays. Everyone uses captions! Why? Because they make it a little bit easier to understand what you’re watching.
When you have hearing loss, captions can work in conjunction with your hearing aids, helping you understand mumbled dialogue or ensuring you can follow your favorite show even when there’s distracting conversation near you.
The advantages of using assistive listening devices
So, now your greatest question might be: where can I get assistive listening devices? This question implies a recognition of the benefits of these technologies for people who use hearing aids.
Obviously, every individual won’t get the benefit of every kind 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 kind of hearing aid, a telecoil might be useless to you.
The point is that you have possibilities. After you begin customizing 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 certain situations but not all. Call us right away so we can help you hear better!