What’s a cyborg? If you get swept up in science fiction movies, you most likely think of cyborgs as kind of half-human, half machine characters (these characters are usually cleverly used to touch on the human condition). Hollywood cyborgs can seem wildly bizarre.
But actually, somebody wearing something as simple as a pair of glasses could be viewed as a cyborg. The glasses, in fact, are a technology that has been incorporated into a biological process.
These technologies usually add to the human condition. So you’re actually the coolest kind of cyborg around if you’re using an assistive listening device. And there’s a lot more technology where that comes from.
Negative aspects of hearing loss
There are absolutely some drawbacks that come with hearing loss.
It’s hard to follow the plot when you go see a movie. It’s even harder to understand what your grandkids are talking about (part of this is because you have no idea what K-pop is, and you never will, but mostly it’s because of hearing loss). And this can impact your life in extremely profound (often negative) ways.
Left untreated, the world can get pretty quiet. That’s where technology plays a role.
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 buy one of these devices? What challenges will I confront?
Those are all reasonable questions!
Mostly, we’re accustomed to regarding technology for hearing loss in a rather monolithic way: hearing aids. That’s logical, as hearing aids are a vital part of treating hearing loss. But they’re also just the beginning, there are numerous types of assistive hearing devices. And, used properly, these hearing devices can help you more fully enjoy the world around you.
What are the different kinds of assistive listening devices?
Induction loops
Induction loops, also known as hearing loops, use technology that sounds really complex. Here’s what you need to know: people with hearing aids can hear more clearly in areas with a hearing loop which are usually well marked with signage.
A speaker will sound more clear due to the magnetic fields in a hearing loop. Here are a few examples of when an induction loop can be beneficial:
- Events that depend on amplified sound (such as presentations or even movies).
- Spots that tend to have lots of echoes or have low-quality acoustics.
- Lobbies, waiting rooms, and other noisy places.
FM systems
These FM systems are like a walkie-talkie or radio. In order for this system to function, you need two elements: a transmitter (normally a microphone or sound system) and a receiver (usually in the form of a hearing aid). FM systems are useful for:
- Anyplace that is loud and noisy, especially where that noise makes it challenging to hear.
- Civil and governmental environments (for instance, in courtrooms).
- Education situations, including classrooms or conferences.
- Anyone who wants to listen to amplified sound systems (this includes things like a speaker during a presentation or dialogue during a movie).
Infrared systems
An infrared system is a lot like an FM system. It’s composed of a receiver and an amplifier. With an IR system, the receiver is often worn around your neck (sort of like a lanyard). Here are some examples where IR systems can be useful:
- Individuals who wear hearing aids or cochlear implants.
- Indoor settings. Strong sunlight can impact the signals from an IR system. Consequently, inside venues are generally the best ones for this sort of technology.
- Scenarios where there is one main speaker at a time.
Personal amplifiers
Personal amplifiers are 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 tricky option since they come in several styles and types.
- Before you use any kind of personal amplifier, speak with us about it first.
- You need to be cautious, though, these devices can expedite the decline of your hearing, especially if you aren’t careful. (You’re basically putting an extremely loud speaker right in your ear, after all.)
- For people who only require amplification in specific circumstances or have very mild hearing loss, these devices would be a good choice.
Amplified phones
Hearing aids and phones often have trouble with one another. The sound can get garbled or too low in volume and sometimes there can be feedback.
Amplified phones are a solution. Depending on the circumstance, these phones allow you to control the volume of the speaker. Here are some things that these devices are good for:
- When multiple 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 principal telephone).
- People who only have a difficult time hearing or understanding conversations over the phone.
Alerting devices
When something is going on, these devices (sometimes called signalers or notification devices) use loud noises, vibrations, and blinking lights to get your attention. When the microwave bings, the doorbell dings, or the phone rings, for instance. This means even if you aren’t wearing your hearing aids, you’ll still be aware when something around your home or office requires your consideration.
Alerting devices are an excellent option for:
- Individuals who intermittently take off their hearing aids (everyone needs a break now and then).
- When alarm sounds like a smoke detector could lead to a hazardous situation.
- Anyone whose hearing is totally or nearly totally gone.
- Home and office spaces.
Telecoils
Again, we come back to the sometimes frustrating link between your telephone and your hearing aid. The feedback that happens when two speakers are held in front of each other isn’t pleasant. When you put a hearing aid next to a phone, the same thing occurs.
A telecoil is a way to get around that connection. It will connect your hearing aid to your phone directly, so you can listen to all of your conversations without interference or feedback. They’re good for:
- Anybody who frequently talks on the phone.
- Anyone who uses hearing aids.
- Anyone who isn’t connected to Bluetooth in any way.
Captioning
Nowadays, it has become fairly commonplace for people to use captions and subtitles to enjoy media. You will find captions pretty much everywhere! Why? Because they make what you’re watching a bit easier to understand.
For individuals with hearing loss, captions will help them be able to understand what they’re watching even with loud conversations around them and can work together with their hearing aids so they can hear dialog even when it’s mumbled.
What are the benefits of using assistive listening devices?
So, now your biggest question might be: where can I buy 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 might not need an amplifier if you have a phone with reliable volume control. If you don’t have the right kind of hearing aid, a telecoil may be useless to you.
But you have options and that’s really the point. After you start customizing your journey toward being an awesome cyborg, you will be ready to get the most out of your 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. If you want to hear better, call us today!
