What’s a cyborg? You probably imagine a half human, half machine when you think of a cyborg, particularly if you love science fiction movies (these characters are typically cleverly used to touch on the human condition). You can get some truly wild cyborgs in Hollywood.
But actually, someone wearing something as basic as a pair of glasses could be viewed as a cyborg. After all, biology has been enhanced with technology.
The human experience is usually enhanced using these technologies. So you’re actually the coolest kind of cyborg in the world if you’re using an assistive listening device. And the best thing is that the technology doesn’t end there.
Drawbacks of hearing loss
Hearing loss undeniably comes with some disadvantages.
When you go to see a movie, it can be hard to keep up with the plot. Understanding your grandkids is even harder (some of that is due 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.
The world can become very quiet if your hearing loss is neglected. This is where technology comes in.
How can hearing loss be addressed with technology?
Broadly speaking, technology that helps you hear better is lumped into the category of “assistive listening devices”. Ok, it does sound a bit technical! The question might arise: exactly what are assistive listening devices? Is there someplace I can go and purchase one of these devices? Are there challenges to using assistive listening devices?
These questions are all normal.
Typically, hearing aids are what we think of when we consider hearing aid technology. Because hearing aids are an essential part of treating 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 utilize these devices.
What types of assistive listening devices are there?
Induction loops
Induction loops, also known as hearing loops, utilize technology that sounds really complex. Here’s what you need to understand: people who wear hearing aids can hear more clearly in areas with a hearing loop which are normally well marked with signage.
Essentially, hearing loops use magnetic fields to make a speaker’s voice more clear. Induction loops are great for:
- Venues that tend to have a lot of echoes or have poor acoustics.
- Venues that tend to be loud (such as waiting rooms or hotel lobbies).
- Events that depend on amplified sound (like presentations or even movies).
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 needed for this kind of system to function. Here are some situations where an FM system will be useful:
- Anyplace that is loud and noisy, especially where that noise makes it difficult to hear.
- Courtrooms and other government or civil places.
- Anyone who wants to listen to sound systems that use amplification (this includes things like a speaker during a presentation or dialogue during a movie).
- Education situations, including classrooms or conferences.
Infrared systems
An infrared system is similar to an FM system. It consists of a receiver and an amplifier. With an IR system, the receiver is often worn around your neck (sort of like a lanyard). IR hearing assistance systems are great for:
- Indoor settings. Bright sunlight can interfere with the signals from an IR system. So this kind of technology works best in indoor spaces.
- Scenarios where there’s one main speaker at a time.
- People who use cochlear implants or hearing aids.
Personal amplifiers
Personal amplifiers are sort of like hearing aids, just less specialized and less powerful. 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 confusing option since they come in several styles and types.
- These devices are good for people who have very minor hearing loss or only need amplification in specific situations.
- You need to be cautious, though, these devices can hasten 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 best outcomes, talk to us before using personal amplifiers of any type.
Amplified phones
Hearing aids and phones sometimes have trouble with one another. Sometimes you have feedback, sometimes things become a bit garbled, sometimes you can’t have a hard time getting the volume quite right.
Amplified phones are a solution. Depending on the circumstance, these phones let you control how loud the speaker is. Here are some things that these devices are good for:
- People who only have a difficult time understanding or hearing conversations over the phone.
- Individuals who don’t have their phone connected to their Bluetooth hearing aid (or who don’t have Bluetooth offered on either their hearing aids or their primary telephone).
- Families where the phone is used by several people.
Alerting devices
Sometimes called signalers or notification devices, alerting devices utilize lights, vibration, or sometimes loud noises to get your attention when something occurs. For instance, 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 aware of it.
Alerting devices are a good option for:
- Situations where lack of attention could be dangerous (for example, when a smoke alarm sounds).
- Individuals who intermittently remove their hearing aids (everyone needs a break now and then).
- Home and office settings.
- Anybody whose hearing is completely or almost completely gone.
Telecoils
Once again, we come back to the sometimes frustrating connection between your telephone and your hearing aid. The feedback that occurs when two speakers are held in front of each other is not pleasant. This is basically what happens when you put a phone speaker close to a hearing aid.
A telecoil is a way to bypass that connection. 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:
- Anyone who regularly talks on the phone.
- Anyone who uses hearing aids.
- Anybody who isn’t connected to Bluetooth in any way.
Captioning
These days, it has become rather commonplace for people to use captions and subtitles to enjoy media. Everybody uses captions! Why? Because they make what you’re watching a bit easier to understand.
When you’re dealing with hearing loss, captions can work in conjunction with your hearing aids, helping you understand mumbled dialogue or ensuring you can hear your favorite show even when there’s distracting conversation near you.
The rewards of using assistive listening devices
So, now your greatest question may be: where can I purchase assistive listening devices? That’s a good question because it means you’ve acknowledged how all of these technologies can be beneficial to those who have hearing loss.
Clearly, 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 might not need an amplifying phone, for instance. A telecoil may not even work for you if you don’t have the right type of hearing aid.
The point is that you have choices. You can personalize the type of incredible cyborg you want to be (and you will be amazing, we promise)–so that you can get the most out of life. It’s time to get back into that conversation with your grandkids.
Some situations will call for assistive listening technology and others won’t. Call us right away so we can help you hear better!
