Hearing aids have experienced exciting innovations over recent years which has significantly enhanced user experience. These devices offer a variety of features and technologies that are designed to integrate connectivity and maximize hearing. Navigating life with hearing aids takes time to adjust to. But by learning about how to best use your hearing aids and practicing, you can manage and perform tasks with greater ease. There are several tips you can implement to maximize your hearing while engaged in daily activities including watching tv.
How Do Hearing Aids Work?
Hearing aids are incredible pieces of technology that are designed to absorb, process, and amplify sound; increasing a person’s ability to hear. There is a wide range of hearing aid options that vary in brand, style, model, and features that are offered. But all devices consist of the same basic components:
- Microphone: collects sound waves and converts them into electrical signals that are sent to the amplifier.
- Amplifier: strengthens the electrical signals and in hearing aids that are more technologically advanced, the amplifier can change these signals to meet the wearers specific hearing needs.
- Receiver: also referred to as the speaker, converts the electrical signals back into sound waves that are sent to the inner ear.
The fourth component of hearing aids is the battery, depending on the type of hearing aids, these could be rechargeable batteries. Additionally, there are two primary styles of hearing aids:
- In the Ear (ITE): these hearing aids are custom to be worn in the ear.
- Behind the Ear (BTE): worn behind or on top of the outside part of the ear. BTE hearing aids connect (via small tube) to an ear piece that fits in the ear canal.
The type of hearing aids that work best for a person depends on several factors including: hearing loss, lifestyle, individual hearing needs etc. An audiologist works closely with people to determine the most effective option.
Tips for Watching TV
Like most electronics today, hearing aids have benefited from technological advancements. These devices are more capable to carry out complex functions than ever before. As digital connectivity continues to shape our lives, hearing aids are better able to integrate and offer features that enhance hearing while engaging in all activities including watching tv. A few tips to maximize your hearing aids while watching tv include:
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Use Bluetooth Feature
Bluetooth technology was first introduced to hearing aids in 2014 and since then, most devices now have this feature. Bluetooth connectivity allows hearing aids to wirelessly connect to other electronic devices including your television, smartphone, speaker etc. By pairing, your hearing aids are able to stream audio directly to the device from your tv. This sharpens sound quality and creates a seamless listening experience. The audio is presented with greater clarity and is more comfortable to hear.
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Program Effective Settings
Hearing aids can be programmed to adjust to meet your specific hearing needs. Specific settings for watching television can be programmed so that you can switch to this particular setting when desired. When you receive your hearing aids you usually work with a hearing healthcare specialist to explore and establish the settings that work best for you. These settings can include features like noise cancellation which is designed to reduce background noise, making it easier to hear.
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Apply Closed Captions
Closed captions are a live transcription of the audio to text that appears on the screen as you are watching tv. This is an incredibly useful way to follow the program you are watching and ensures that you do not miss anything that is said. Applying closed captions, which all streaming platforms provide, is a great addition to using your hearing aids.
Hearing aids are a critical investment in your health, one that shapes how you navigate daily life. Taking the time to learn your device and becoming an expert on its settings, can help you maximize their use. By knowing how basic functions, settings, and practicing useful tips, you can better enjoy activities like watching tv.
If you have additional questions or are interested in the latest hearing aids technology, please contact us. We are here to provide support for your hearing health!