Hearing aids have come a long way from the years of ear trumpets. After over a century of innovation, these devices have become smaller, more powerful, and more beneficial to their users.

The most up-to-date hearing aids include tools that make using personal electronics much easier for users. In the past, these devices have had difficulties with personal electronics, leaving users at a disadvantage.

Types of Hearing Aids

Hearing aids come in five basic styles. They are completely-in-the-canal, in-the-canal, in-the-ear, behind-the-ear, and reciever-in-the-canal/ear. In large part, which type you use depends on your amount of hearing. Cochlear implants are in their own category since they function differently, even though they share many features.

Hearing Aids and Personal Electronics

In the past, hearing aids and devices like cell phones didn't work well together. Too much feedback and background noise could make it hard for the user to understand what was said. Background noise could also make it hard for people to watch television, make video calls, or listen to music, lowering their quality of life.

Bluetooth is now available in many models, including Beltone hearing aids. This feature can make your life easier in many ways. One of the biggest is that you can connect your Bluetooth and your phone. Using that function will let calls go directly to your hearing aid so that you can hear them much better. You worry less about background noises if the sound goes directly into your ear.

Another way to use Bluetooth on your phone is to download certain apps. Hearing aid manufacturers can provide apps that can monitor the health of your aid. An app can monitor things like battery charge and alert you when you need to replace or recharge your battery. The apps also have "find my hearing aid" functions, which can help you if you put your hearing aid somewhere safe, and forget where that safe place is.

Problems and Solutions

Like any other technology, hearing devices and personal electronics can run into problems. Most of those problems have easy solutions. One problem is that Bluetooth can drain the battery on both the aid and the phone. The easiest way to handle that is to turn off that function when it isn't in use. Another problem is that too many Bluetooth connections can cause issues with the signal. The way to handle that is to limit the number of devices connected through Bluetooth.

Come see us when you are worried about your hearing health or want to upgrade your hearing aid to one that’s more compatible with your electronics. Contact Beltone South today to make an appointment. We can help you find the best device to suit your needs.