Hearing aids have been around for decades and haven't typically been known as attractive, dynamic products. But manufacturers have recently released a whole host of innovative, new features that have greatly enhanced the user experience. This has made hearing aids easier to control, sleeker, more comfortable and useful that ever before. Here are some of the latest innovations and hottest trends with hearing aids.
Invisible-In-The-Canal (IIC) Hearing Aids
Invisible-In-The-Canal Hearing Aids are one of the smallest, most discreet hearing aid options available. They are custom fit to the wearer’s body and sit beyond the second bend of the ear canal. Due to the depth at which the instrument is worn, visibility is all but eliminated, comfort is improved and there are a number of technical advantages to IIC devices.
Data sets collected during tests at Starkey Laboratories, Inc. have led researchers to believe that some aspects of natural sound filtering are retained due to the IIC unit’s microphone being located past the second bend of the ear canal. In users with light to moderate hearing loss, this retention of natural filtration allows for more accurate localization of sound.
Extended Wear Lyric Hearing Aids
Extended Wear Lyric Hearing Aids are capable of being worn 24 hours a day, continuously, for a period of up to 4 months. Designed with the idea that people want an invisible and easily operated instrument, these devices fit snugly into the ear canal and do not impede the use of ear level listening devices such as headphones or telephones. These units also provide increased gain and output levels when compared to other traditional hearing aids.
Receiver-In-The-Canal (RIC) Hearing Aids
Receiver-In-The-Canal Hearing Aids are often a viable option for individuals suffering from progressive hearing loss. Over time, RIC units become a more cost effective choice because they have the ability to swap out receivers. As hearing loss progresses, a more powerful receiver can be installed in the existing unit instead of purchasing a completely new hearing aid. Additionally, the main hearing aid unit in an RIC device is often smaller since the receiver is moved from behind the ear into the canal.
iPhone Device Syncing
Based on a cutting edge Bluetooth technology developed by Apple, certain advanced hearing aids are now able to connect to iOS devices, which in addition to the iPhone includes the iPod, iPad, and Apple watch. When utilizing this technology, hearing aids are able to provide clearer sounding experiences with music, phone conversations, navigation and video audio.
Because iPhone syncing hearing aids are developed specifically with Apple products in mind, it is easy to set them up and maintain connectivity. Users are also able to manage their hearing device directly from their iOS device, allowing them to set left, right or stereo volumes.
Also, when one-on-one conversations are being held in loud places, an iOS device can be placed directly in front of the person being spoken to in order to better pick up their voice and mitigate the disturbances incurred from outside noises.