{"id":534,"date":"2018-07-12T15:14:06","date_gmt":"2018-07-12T22:14:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mthoodent.com\/?p=421"},"modified":"2019-07-25T13:32:06","modified_gmt":"2019-07-25T20:32:06","slug":"hearing-aid-technology","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mthoodent.com\/hearing-aid-technology\/","title":{"rendered":"Hearing Aid Technology"},"content":{"rendered":"\r\n

If you\u2019re like many people in Portland, your image of hearing aids<\/a> is probably somewhat antiquated. If you are picturing bulky, unsightly devices with poor sound quality, you\u2019ll be surprised (and pleased) to learn that today\u2019s hearing aid technology<\/strong> is vastly different from that of a generation ago. Modern hearing aids are smaller and utilize digital signal processing, microchips, advanced computerization and other cutting-edge technologies for enhanced sound quality. And they are so small, odds are few people will even realize you are wearing them. If you\u2019re worried about any stigma associated with hearing aids, don\u2019t fear: those days are long past!<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Whether you\u2019re a new hearing aid user or have been wearing them for years, chances are you\u2019ll be surprised to learn all the improvements this advanced technology have made on the devices. It may be time to consider an upgrade, especially if your hearing aids are more than a few years old.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

The most popular technology includes:<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n

Digital Programming<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n
Hearing aid technology in Portland <\/figure><\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

For decades, hearing aids<\/a> were strictly analog. But the digital revolution has taken over many areas formerly devoted to analog technology, and hearing aids are no exception. Digital programming works by converting sound waves into digital signals using digitized sound processing. A built-in computer chip determines whether the signal is speech or noise and converts it into a clear, amplified signal. Digital programming offers many benefits including improved speech quality, advanced programming options, a better fit, and a multitude of features that work to improve and enhance functionality of the hearing aids.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n

Bluetooth<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n

You would be hard pressed to find somebody who has never heard of Bluetooth<\/a> technology.\u00ae This wireless communication platform is prevalent and used in a wide range of electronic devices, including computers, smartphones, and MP3 players, to exchange data. In essence, Bluetooth allows devices to communicate with one another. Bluetooth-enabled hearing aids let users stream signals from these and other electronic devices directly to their aids, improving their versatility and convenience. You can make phone calls, listen to music and watch television through your hearing aids, without disturbing other people around you.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n

Rechargeable Technology<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n

One of the latest, and most welcome, breakthroughs in hearing aid technology is rechargeable batteries. Most of the major hearing aid manufacturers now offer rechargeable options or the ability to convert existing hearing aids into rechargeable ones, freeing users throughout Oregon and the Willamette Valley from the hassle of disposable batteries. Not only is this great for the environment; it saves you money in the long run. By utilizing lithium-ion batteries, you can get up to 24 hours of performance with a single charge, allowing you to wear your hearing aids all day long and not have to worry about having them run out of power during an especially inopportune moment. Many include disposable battery backups for an added measure of security.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n

Additional Hearing Aid Technologies<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n

Other breakthroughs in hearing aid technology include the following:<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n