What is a cyborg? You most likely imagine a half human, half machine when you think about cyborgs, especially if you enjoy science fiction movies (the human condition is often cleverly portrayed with these characters). Hollywood cyborgs can seem wildly outlandish.
But actually, somebody wearing something as simple as a pair of glasses could be viewed as a cyborg. The glasses, after all, are a technology that has been incorporated into biology.
These technologies typically add to the human experience. So, if you’re using an assistive listening device, such as a hearing aid, you’re the coolest type of cyborg in the world. And there’s much more technology where that comes from.
Hearing loss disadvantages
There are definitely some negative aspects that come with hearing loss.
It’s difficult to keep up with the plot when you go see a movie. Understanding your grandchildren is even more difficult (some of that is attributable to the age-gap, but mostly, 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 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 might be thinking: what are assistive listening devices? Where can I get assistive listening devices? Are there challenges to using assistive listening devices?
These questions are all standard.
Mostly, we’re accustomed to regarding technology for hearing loss in a very monolithic way: hearing aids. That’s reasonable, as hearing aids are an essential part of treating hearing loss. But hearing aids aren’t the only kind of assistive hearing device. And, used properly, these hearing devices can help you more fully enjoy the world around you.
What are the different types of assistive listening devices?
Induction loops
Induction loops, also known as hearing loops, utilize technology that sounds quite complex. Here’s what you need to know: locations with hearing loops are normally well marked with signage and they can help individuals with hearing aids hear more clearly, even in noisy settings.
Basically, hearing loops use magnetic fields to make a speaker’s voice more clear. Induction loops are great for:
- Presentations, movies, or other events that rely on amplification.
- Lobbies, waiting rooms, and other loud settings.
- Locations with inferior acoustic qualities like echoes.
FM systems
These FM systems are similar to a walkie-talkie or radio. In order for this system to function, you need two elements: a transmitter (usually a microphone or sound system) and a receiver (usually in the form of a hearing aid). FM systems are useful for:
- Conferences, classrooms, and other educational activities.
- Anybody who wants to listen to sound systems that use amplification (this includes things like a speaker during a presentation or dialogue during a movie).
- Whenever it’s difficult to hear due to a noisy environment.
- Courtrooms and other government or civil places.
Infrared systems
An infrared system is similar to an FM system. It’s composed of a receiver and an amplifier. Typically, the receiver is worn around the neck with an IR system. Here are some instances where IR systems can be helpful:
- Inside settings. IR systems are frequently impacted by strong sunlight. As a result, inside settings are generally the best ones for this type of technology.
- When you’re listening to one primary person speaking.
- Individuals who wear hearing aids or cochlear implants.
Personal amplifiers
Personal amplifiers are kind of like hearing aids, just less specialized and less powerful. They’re generally made of a speaker and a microphone. The microphone picks up sounds and amplifies them through a speaker. Personal amplifiers may seem like a confusing solution since they come in numerous styles and types.
- These devices are good for individuals who have very slight hearing loss or only require amplification in select situations.
- Your essentially putting a really loud speaker right inside of your ear so you need to be cautious not to further damage your hearing.
- For best results, talk to us before using personal amplifiers of any kind.
Amplified phones
Phones and hearing aids don’t always get along very well. Sometimes there’s feedback, sometimes things get a little garbled, sometimes you can’t have a hard time getting the volume quite right.
One solution for this is an amplified phone. 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. Here are some things that these devices are good for:
- People who don’t have Bluetooth enabled devices, like their phone or their hearing aid.
- When somebody has difficulty hearing phone conversations but hears okay in other situations.
- When numerous people in a home use a single phone.
Alerting devices
When something happens, these devices (sometimes called signalers or notification devices) use loud noises, vibrations, and flashing lights to get your attention. For example, when the doorbell dings, the phone rings, or the microwave bings. This means even if you aren’t wearing your hearing aids, you’ll still be aware when something around your home or office needs your attention.
Alerting devices are an excellent solution for:
- People who periodically take off their hearing aids (everyone needs a break now and then).
- Those with total or near total hearing loss.
- When in the office or at home.
- Circumstances where lack of attention could be hazardous (for example, when a smoke alarm goes off).
Telecoils
Once again, we come back to the occasionally frustrating connection between your telephone and your hearing aid. When you put a speaker up to another speaker, it produces feedback (sometimes painful feedback). When you put a hearing aid next to a phone, the same thing occurs.
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 good for:
- Anyone who isn’t connected to Bluetooth in any way.
- Individuals who have hearing aids.
- People who use the phone frequently.
Captioning
Closed captions (and subtitles more broadly) have become a normal way for people to enjoy media nowadays. You will find captions pretty much everywhere! Why? Because they make it a little bit easier to understand what you’re watching.
When you’re dealing with hearing loss, captions can work in combination with your hearing aids, helping you understand mumbled dialogue or making sure you can hear your favorite show even when there’s distracting conversation nearby.
The advantages of using assistive listening devices
So, now your biggest question may be: where can I get assistive listening devices? This question implies a recognition of the benefits of these technologies for individuals who use hearing aids.
To be sure, not every strategy is right for every person. For example, you may not need an amplifier if you have a phone with good volume control. If you don’t have the right type of hearing aid, a telecoil may be useless to you.
But you have choices and that’s really the point. You can customize 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 grandchildren.
Some situations will call for assistive listening technology and some won’t. Call us right away so we can help you hear better!
