If you’ve noticed your hearing is not as good as it used to be, don’t worry – you are not alone. According to the National Institute of Health (NIH), approximately 37.5 million adults in the US have reported difficulty with their hearing.
Furthermore, the NIH estimates that 28.8 million adults who have mild to severe hearing loss could benefit from hearing aids.
Hearing aids have rapidly evolved over the last 20 years, resulting in some pretty impressive technology that is also incredibly user-friendly.
While hearing aids will certainly improve your hearing, today’s technology means the devices can also perform many other functions. For example, if you are a music fan, you could use your hearing aids as a headset to enjoy your favorite tunes. Or, when on the move, you could easily take a phone call by streaming sound directly from your mobile device to your hearing aids. And that’s only the beginning!
5 Technology Advances
Let’s take a closer look at how today’s technology is helping those with a hearing loss. Below are five technology advances that have made a big difference in how people hear and connect to the world around them.
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Rechargeable Batteries.
Say goodbye to the tedious chore of changing batteries. Today’s hearing aids come with rechargeable batteries and portable chargers like our Beltone Amaze Hearing Aids that come with the Beltone Amaze Charger! Ensuring your devices are ready to wear couldn’t be easier. Simply charge them overnight and they will be ready for you in the morning. Some models even feature batteries and chargers that can be ready to go another 8 hours with only 30 minutes of charge time.
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Direct Streaming From Mobile Devices.
Streaming music or calls directly to your hearing aids was initially an option only for iPhone users. But now, Android users can also enjoy this feature. Beltone’s Amaze hearing aids, featuring Bluetooth Low Energy streaming technology, allow you to stream audio for more than 12 hours from your compatible Android device. Amazingly (no pun intended!) this does not affect the hearing aids’ 24-hour battery life before a recharge is needed. Earlier hearing aid models relied on “classic Bluetooth,” which could reduce 24 hours of hearing aid battery usage in half after only 4 hours of direct streaming.
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More Natural Sound.
No matter where you are, you can expect a clearer, fuller, and richer sound experience thanks to the latest microprocessing technology. Whether you are engaging in a dinner conversation, a quick joke, or a theater performance, textured tones will make every moment more fulfilling. You also have the ability to manage how you hear the world around you. You can make conversations and ambient noise sound more natural or you can select specific sounds you wish to focus on. Sudden loud noises can automatically be adjusted so there aren’t any unwelcome surprises.
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Smartphone Apps Make It Easy.
Check and control your hearing devices with just a tap on your phone’s screen – no one will even know! You can check your battery status or easily adjust the volume to a suitable level. More advanced fine-tuning features include the ability to control speech focus, noise, and wind filters. Misplaced your hearing aids? Not a problem – some apps offer a “find my hearing aid” feature – like the Beltone HearMax App which is compatible with most Beltone hearing aids. (Big sigh of relief!)
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Tech-Enabled Customer Care.
Hearing care professionals are essential in treating hearing loss and ensuring your hearing aids give you the ultimate results. Sometimes you might need an adjustment or have a question, and now you can do it from the comfort of your home. With Beltone’s Remote Care program, you can connect directly with your hearing care professional via the HearMax app. Simply submit your request, and then you can adjust your hearing aids via your phone, saving you a trip out.
At Beltone Hearing, with 52 locations throughout Michigan and Ohio, our friendly team will assess your hearing and determine the best hearing solution for you. Click on the links to learn more about the latest in hearing aid technology and find an office near you.