What’s a cyborg? If you get swept up in science fiction movies, you probably think of cyborgs as sort of half-human, half machine characters (the human condition is often cleverly depicted with these characters). Hollywood cyborgs can seem extremely bizarre.
But actually, someone wearing something as simple as a pair of glasses could be viewed as a cyborg. The glasses, after all, are a technology that has been incorporated into biology.
These technologies typically add to the human condition. So you’re actually the coolest type of cyborg around if you’re using an assistive listening device. And the best part is that the technology doesn’t end there.
Drawbacks of hearing loss
Hearing loss undeniably comes with some disadvantages.
When you go to see a movie, it can be hard to keep up with the plot. It’s even harder to understand what your grandkids are talking about (part of this is because you have no clue what K-pop is, and you never will, but mostly it’s the result of hearing loss). And it can be profound (and often negative) how much your life can be affected.
The world can become really quiet if your hearing loss is disregarded. This is where technology comes in.
How can technology alleviate hearing loss?
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? Where can I buy assistive listening devices? What challenges will I confront?
These questions are all normal.
Typically, hearing aids are what we think of when we consider hearing aid technology. That’s logical, as hearing aids are a vital part of managing hearing loss. But they’re also just the start, there are many types of assistive hearing devices. And, used properly, these hearing devices can help you more fully enjoy the world around you.
What types of assistive listening devices are there?
Induction loops
Sometimes called a “hearing loop,” the technology of an induction loop sounds really complicated (there are electromagnetic fields involved). Here are the basics: people who wear hearing aids can hear more clearly in locations with a hearing loop which are usually well marked with signage.
A speaker will sound clearer due to the magnetic fields in a hearing loop. Induction loops are great for:
- Presentations, movies, or other events that rely on amplification.
- Lobbies, waiting rooms, and other noisy settings.
- Locations that tend to have a lot of echoes or have poor acoustics.
FM systems
An FM hearing assistance system works a lot like a radio or a walkie-talkie. In order for this system to function, you need two components: a transmitter (normally a microphone or sound system) and a receiver (often in the form of a hearing aid). FM systems are useful for:
- Courtrooms and other government or civil buildings.
- Whenever it’s hard to hear because of a noisy environment.
- Anybody who wants to listen to amplified sound systems (this includes things like a speaker during a presentation or dialogue during a movie).
- Education situations, such as classrooms or conferences.
Infrared systems
An infrared system is a lot like an FM system. It’s composed of a receiver and an amplifier. Usually, the receiver is worn around the neck with an IR system. Here are some instances where IR systems can be helpful:
- Individuals who have cochlear implants or hearing aids.
- Inside settings. Strong sunlight can interfere with the signals from an IR system. So this kind of technology works best in indoor settings.
- When you’re listening to one main person talking.
Personal amplifiers
Personal amplifiers are a lot like less specialized and less powerful versions of a hearing aid. They’re generally made of a microphone and a speaker. The sound is being amplified through the speakers after being picked up by the microphone. Personal amplifiers might seem like a tricky option since they come in various styles and types.
- For individuals who only need amplification in specific situations or have very minor hearing loss, these devices would be a good choice.
- Your essentially putting a really loud speaker right inside of your ear so you need to be careful not to damage your hearing further.
- For best outcomes, speak with us before using personal amplifiers of any type.
Amplified phones
Phones and hearing aids don’t always get along swimmingly. The sound can become garbled or too low in volume and sometimes you can get feedback.
One solution for this is an amplified phone. These devices allow you to have control of the volume of the phone’s speaker, so you can make it as loud or quiet as you need, depending on the circumstance. These devices are good for:
- When multiple people in a home use a single phone.
- When someone has trouble hearing phone conversations but hears fine in other circumstances.
- People who don’t have Bluetooth enabled devices, like their phone or their hearing aid.
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 needs your attention.
Alerting devices are an excellent option for:
- When you take breaks from your hearing aids.
- Individuals with total or near total hearing loss.
- When alarm sounds like a smoke detector could create a dangerous situation.
- When in the office or at home.
Telecoils
So the connection (sometimes frustrating) between your hearing aid and phone becomes evident. The feedback that happens when two speakers are put in front of each other is not pleasant. This is basically what occurs when you hold a phone speaker close to a hearing aid.
That connection can be bypassed by a telecoil. It will link up your hearing aid to your phone directly, so you can hear all of your conversations without noise or feedback. They’re good for:
- Anyone who uses hearing aids.
- Those who do not have access to Bluetooth hearing aids or phones.
- Anyone who regularly talks on the phone.
Captioning
Closed captions (and subtitles more generally) have become a normal way for people to enjoy media nowadays. Everybody uses captions! Why? Because they make what you’re watching a bit easier to understand.
When you’re dealing with hearing loss, captions can work in combination with your hearing aids, helping you understand mumbled dialogue or making sure you can hear your favorite show even when there’s distracting conversation nearby.
What are the advantages of using assistive listening devices?
So, now your biggest question may be: where can I get assistive listening devices? This question indicates a recognition of the benefits of these technologies for individuals who use hearing aids.
Clearly, every individual won’t be benefited by every kind of technology. For instance, you may 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 might be useless to you.
But you have options and that’s really the point. You can customize the kind of incredible cyborg you want to be (and you will be amazing, we promise)–so that you can get the most out of life. So you can more easily understand the dialogue at the movies or the conversation with your grandkids.
Hearing Assistive Technology can help you hear better in some situations but not all. If you want to hear better, call us today!
