What is a cyborg? You most likely imagine a half human, half machine when you think of a cyborg, especially if you love science fiction movies (these characters are typically cleverly utilized to comment on the human condition). Hollywood cyborgs can seem wildly bizarre.
But the truth is that, technically, anyone who wears a pair of glasses could be considered a cyborg. The glasses, in fact, are a technology that has been incorporated into biology.
The human experience is usually enhanced with these technologies. Which means, if you’re wearing an assistive listening device, such as a hearing aid, you’re the coolest kind of cyborg anywhere. And the best thing is that the technology doesn’t end there.
Hearing loss drawbacks
There are definitely some disadvantages that come with hearing loss.
It’s difficult to keep up with the plot when you go see a movie. 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 this can impact your life in very profound (often negative) ways.
The world can become really quiet if your hearing loss is disregarded. This is where technology comes in.
How can hearing loss be managed with technology?
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! You may be thinking: what are assistive listening devices? Is there someplace I can go and buy one of these devices? What challenges will I face?
These questions are all normal.
Typically, hearing aids are what we think of when we consider hearing aid technology. That’s reasonable, as hearing aids are a vital part of treating hearing loss. But they’re also just the start, there are many kinds of assistive hearing devices. And, used properly, these hearing devices can help you more completely enjoy the world around you.
What kinds of assistive listening devices are there?
Induction loops
Induction loops, also known as hearing loops, utilize technology that sounds quite complex. Here’s what you need to understand: individuals who wear hearing aids can hear more clearly in places with a hearing loop which are normally well marked with signage.
A speaker will sound clearer due to the magnetic fields in a hearing loop. Induction loops are good for:
- Venues that tend to have a lot of echoes or have poor acoustics.
- Settings that tend to be loud (such as waiting rooms or hotel lobbies).
- Presentations, movies, or other situations that depend on amplification.
FM systems
These FM systems are similar to a walkie-talkie or radio. A transmitter, typically a speaker or microphone, and a receiver, like a hearing aid, are required for this type of system to function. FM systems are great for:
- Conferences, classrooms, and other educational activities.
- Whenever it’s hard to hear because of a noisy environment.
- An occasion where amplified sound is being used, including music from a speaker or sound at a movie.
- Civil and governmental environments (for instance, in courtrooms).
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 great for:
- Situations where there’s one main speaker at a time.
- Indoor settings. IR systems are often effected by strong sunlight. So this kind of technology works best in indoor settings.
- Individuals who use cochlear implants or hearing aids.
Personal amplifiers
Personal amplifiers are a lot like less specialized and less robust versions of a hearing aid. They’re generally composed of a microphone and a speaker. The sound is being amplified through the speakers after being detected by the microphone. Personal amplifiers might seem like a confusing solution since they come in various styles and types.
- Before you use any type of personal amplifier, speak with us about it first.
- These devices are good for individuals who have very slight hearing loss or only require amplification in select situations.
- You need to be careful, though, these devices can expedite the decline of your hearing, especially if you aren’t careful. (You’re basically putting a super loud speaker right in your ear, after all.)
Amplified phones
Hearing aids and phones often have difficulty with each other. Sometimes there’s 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. 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:
- Individuals who only have a difficult time understanding or hearing conversations over the phone.
- When numerous people in a home use a single phone.
- People who don’t have their phone connected to their Bluetooth hearing aid (or who don’t have Bluetooth available on either their hearing aids or their primary telephone).
Alerting devices
Often 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 requires your consideration, even without your hearing aids, you’ll be conscious of it.
Alerting devices are a good option for:
- People who periodically remove their hearing aids (everybody needs a break now and then).
- Anybody whose hearing is totally or nearly totally gone.
- When in the office or at home.
- Circumstances where lack of attention could be dangerous (for example, when a smoke alarm sounds).
Telecoils
So the link (sometimes frustrating) between your hearing aid and phone comes to the front. The feedback that happens when two speakers are held in front of each other is not pleasant. When you hold a hearing aid close to a phone, the same thing happens.
That connection can be avoided 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 good for:
- Those who don’t have access to Bluetooth hearing aids or phones.
- Anybody who uses hearing aids.
- Anybody who frequently talks on the phone.
Captioning
Closed captions (and subtitles more generally) have become a mainstay of the way people enjoy media today. You will find captions pretty much everywhere! Why? Because they make what you’re watching a bit easier to understand.
When you have hearing loss, captions can work in conjunction with your hearing aids, helping you understand mumbled dialogue or making sure you can follow your favorite show even when there’s distracting conversation near you.
What are the benefits of using assistive listening devices?
So where can you get assistive listening devices? This question implies a recognition of the advantages 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 require an amplifying phone, for example. A telecoil may not even work for you if you don’t have the right kind of hearing aid.
The point is that you have options. You can personalize the type of amazing 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!