Healthy Hearing—an online information source on hearing loss and hearing aids—reports that 28.8 million Americans could benefit from wearing hearing aids, but fewer than 16 percent have ever used them. And only 30 percent of people age 70 and older who could benefit from wearing hearing aids have ever used them.
1. Hearing Aids Are Advanced Medical Devices That Enable Hearing in Quiet and Difficult Hearing Environments
Hearing aids are complex and multi-faceted medical devices designed to treat hearing loss so you can hear better in loud and quiet spaces. They result from decades of research and billions of dollars invested by those seeking solutions to hearing loss. Because of their complexity, hearing aids, like all medical devices, must be cleared by the FDA before they can be sold to consumers.
Not all hearing aids are created equal. As such, they vary vastly in price and performance. Some hearing aids can be purchased in a retail store, while an audiologist must purchase others after a hearing test is performed.
2. Hearing Aids Have Improved Connectivity and Accessibility
In the past few years, the technology behind hearing aids has improved significantly. Newer hearing aids are more affordable, smaller, and have longer battery life than before.
New hearing aids are also more user-friendly. Gone are the days when hearing aids were outdated and difficult to use. Today, hearing aids are small, come in various colors, and can be worn like a Bluetooth device in one ear.
3. Hearing Aids Device Functions Can Be Managed with Smartphone Apps
According to Business Insider, new hearing aids can be programmed and controlled with smartphone apps. These apps can adjust the volume and settings of hearing aids, receive and send real-time updates to audiologist’s offices, and measure the volume of surrounding sounds.
For instance, Hear360 is a free app that allows users to track hearing aid data, including volume, battery use, and access to product-specific news, information, and support.
4. Some Hearing Aid Companies Now Provide Tech-Enabled Customer Care
More and more hearing aid companies are offering tech-enabled customer care. According to Business Insider, hearing aid companies are building apps that allow users to adjust the settings of their hearing aids on the go. These apps can also send updates to audiologist offices, measure ambient noise levels, and receive wireless updates about ear canal changes and new and improved hearing aids.
The benefits of these apps are two-fold. First, it allows patients to manage their hearing aids on the fly better. Second, it offers audiologists the ability to monitor patients remotely, allowing them to adjust hearing aid settings and to send program updates and troubleshooting instructions.
5. Hearing Aids Can Effectively Treat Hearing Loss
According to Healthy Hearing, hearing aids are up to 90 percent more effective than over-the-counter hearing devices. Hearing aids are the most effective treatment for all types of hearing loss.
However, hearing aids are not a cure for hearing loss. They are a treatment. For hearing aids to work well, they must be worn consistently. Those who do not wear hearing aids will not experience hearing improvement.
Conclusion
Hearing aids are complex medical devices that can only treat hearing loss when worn consistently. Although they are medical devices, they vary in price and function. It is essential to know what you are getting into before purchasing a hearing aid.
Hear More Associates is the most trusted hearing care specialist servicing patients throughout Lexington and Greater Boston, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island. Our audiological experts ensure that you always have the right team on hand regardless of where you are on your hearing journey. If you’re looking for a hearing specialist in Massachusetts, get in touch with us! Schedule an appointment and get a free hearing test now!
