What is a cyborg? If your mind gets swept up in science fiction movies, you most likely think of cyborgs as kind of half-human, half machine characters (the human condition is frequently cleverly portrayed with these characters). You can get some really fantastic cyborgs in Hollywood.
But actually, somebody 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.
The human experience is generally enhanced with these technologies. So you’re actually the coolest type of cyborg in the world if you’re using an assistive listening device. And the best thing is that the technology doesn’t end there.
Disadvantages of hearing loss
There are absolutely some drawbacks that come with hearing loss.
When you go to the movies, it can be hard to follow along with the plot. Understanding your grandkids is even harder (some of that is attributable to the age-gap, but for the most part, it’s hearing loss). And this can impact your life in very profound (often negative) ways.
The world can become really quiet if your hearing loss is disregarded. This is where technology comes in.
How can technology help with hearing loss?
“Assistive listening device” is the broad category that any device which helps you hear better is put into. Ok, it does sound a bit technical! You may be thinking: what are assistive listening devices? Is there somewhere I can go and purchase one of these devices? Are there challenges to using assistive listening devices?
These questions are all standard.
Mostly, we’re accustomed to regarding technology for hearing loss in a very monolithic way: hearing aids. Because hearing aids are a crucial part of dealing with hearing loss, that’s reasonable. But hearing aids aren’t the only type of assistive hearing device. And, used correctly, these hearing devices can help you more fully enjoy the world around you.
What kinds of assistive listening devices are there?
Induction loops
Sometimes called a “hearing loop,” the technology of an induction loop sounds really complex (there are electromagnetic fields involved). Here’s what you need to know: people with hearing aids can hear more clearly in locations with a hearing loop which are normally well marked with signage.
A speaker will sound clearer due to the magnetic fields in a hearing loop. Here are some examples of when an induction loop can be helpful:
- Venues that tend to have a lot of echoes or have low-quality acoustics.
- Lobbies, waiting rooms, and other loud settings.
- Events that rely on amplified sound (like presentations or even movies).
FM systems
An FM hearing assistance system works a lot like a radio or a walkie-talkie. A transmitter, typically a speaker or microphone, and a receiver, like a hearing aid, are needed for this type of system to function. Here are a few situations where an FM system will be useful:
- Civil and governmental locations (for example, in courtrooms).
- An occasion where amplified sound is used, including music from a speaker or sound at a movie.
- Whenever it’s difficult to hear due to a loud environment.
- Conferences, classrooms, and other educational events.
Infrared systems
There are similarities between an infrared system and an FM system. You have an amplifier and a receiver. With an IR system, the receiver is usually worn around your neck (sort of like a lanyard). Here are some instances where IR systems can be helpful:
- Situations where there is one main speaker at a time.
- Inside environments. IR systems are often effected by strong sunlight. As a result, inside venues are usually the best ones for this sort of technology.
- Individuals who have cochlear implants or hearing aids.
Personal amplifiers
Personal amplifiers are a lot like less specialized and less robust versions of a hearing aid. In general, they feature a microphone and a speaker. The microphone detects sounds and amplifies them through a speaker. Personal amplifiers come in several different styles and types, which could make them a confusing possible solution.
- Before you use any type of personal amplifier, consult us about it first.
- These devices are good for individuals who have very mild hearing loss or only require amplification in select situations.
- Your basically putting a really loud speaker right inside of your ear so you need to be cautious not to damage your hearing further.
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 give you control over the volume of the phone’s speaker, so you can make it as loud or quiet as you need, depending on the situation. Here are some things that these devices are good for:
- When somebody has difficulty hearing phone conversations but hears okay in other situations.
- People who don’t have their phone synced to their Bluetooth hearing aid (or who don’t have Bluetooth offered on either their hearing aids or their primary telephone).
- Families where the phone is used by several people.
Alerting devices
Sometimes called signalers or notification devices, alerting devices utilize lights, vibration, or occasionally loud noises to get your attention when something occurs. For example, when the doorbell dings, the phone rings, or the microwave bings. So when something around your workplace or home requires your attention, even without your hearing aids, you’ll be conscious of it.
Alerting devices are an excellent solution for:
- Anyone whose hearing is completely or almost completely gone.
- Situations where lack of attention could be dangerous (for instance, when a smoke alarm sounds).
- Home and office spaces.
- People who periodically take off their hearing aids (everybody needs a break now and then).
Telecoils
Once again, we come back to the occasionally frustrating link between your telephone and your hearing aid. When you hold a speaker up to another speaker, it creates feedback (sometimes painful feedback). This is essentially what happens when you put a phone speaker up to a hearing aid.
A telecoil is a way to get around that connection. 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 great for:
- Those who do not have access to Bluetooth hearing aids or phones.
- Anyone who frequently talks on the phone.
- Anybody who uses hearing aids.
Captioning
Closed captions (and subtitles more generally) have become a mainstay of the way people enjoy media nowadays. Everybody uses captions! Why? Because they make what you’re watching a little easier to understand.
When you have hearing loss, captions can work in conjunction with your hearing aids, helping you understand mumbled dialogue or ensuring you can follow your favorite show even when there’s distracting conversation near you.
What are the advantages of using assistive listening devices?
So, now your greatest question might be: where can I buy assistive listening devices? That’s a good question because it means you’ve acknowledged how all of these technologies can be advantageous to people with hearing loss.
To be sure, not every strategy is right for every person. For example, you might not need an amplifier if you have a phone with good volume control. A telecoil might not even work for you if you don’t have the right type of hearing aid.
But you have options and that’s really the point. After you begin customizing your journey toward being an awesome cyborg, you will be ready to get the most out of your life. It’s time to get back into that conversation with your grandchildren.
Some situations will call for assistive listening technology and some won’t. If you’re interested in hearing better, call us today!