It is unfortunate but true that hearing loss can significantly impact an individual’s quality of life, making it difficult to communicate with others and enjoy various activities. Luckily, hearing aids can considerably improve your hearing ability!
Most users benefit from having hearing aid control features like volume controls because they can turn up the level when watching television and turn it down when they’re in a noisy situation. Some devices also can quickly access different memories by pushing a button.
However, it’s important to understand the different hearing aid controls available and how to use them effectively to achieve the best results.
Guide to Hearing Aid Controls and Features
Volume Control
One of the most basic and essential hearing aid controls is volume control. This control allows the wearer to adjust the loudness of the sound coming from the hearing aid.
Volume control can be especially useful when the environment is noisy or quiet, allowing the user to adjust the volume to a comfortable level.
For example, a noisy restaurant may require the hearing aid to be turned up, while a quiet library may require it to be turned down. Most hearing aids today have digital volume controls, allowing more precise adjustments and better sound quality.
Your hearing aid audiologist can configure the device to carry out a number of tasks, including volume control and switching between memory.
Program Control
Another common hearing aid control is program control, which lets the user choose from different hearing modes or programs designed for specific environments or situations.
For instance, there may be a program for quiet environments, one for noisy environments, and one for music listening. Some hearing aids may automatically switch between programs, while others may require the user to switch between them manually. In addition, some hearing aids may allow for custom programs tailored to an individual’s unique listening preferences.
Some hearing aid program control features include:
Directional Program
When you are in noisy situations, this software is helpful. It enhances the voices or noises in front of you rather than those coming from behind you when there is background noise.
Telecoil Loop System
The wearer may hear sound more clearly thanks to this more contemporary feature. This tool can be helpful wherever a loop system is available and is wonderful at removing background noise. This includes banks, theatres, conference rooms, and other places. Additionally, it is the programme to use with loop telephones.
Traffic Program
This application can be used while driving because it mutes low-pitched motors and noise.
Music Program
When you wish to listen to music, utilise this software. It becomes more natural to hear by removing sounds other than the tune, including speaking.
Noise Reduction Control
Noise reduction is an important feature of modern hearing aids that help minimise background noise’s effects on the wearer’s hearing ability. This feature is typically controlled via a dedicated noise reduction control or a part of the program control.
It works by analysing the incoming sound and identifying background noise, then reducing the volume of that noise while leaving the primary sound intact. This can significantly improve speech intelligibility and make communication easier in noisy environments.
Feedback Control
Feedback is a common issue with hearing aids, as the amplified sound can sometimes create a high-pitched whistling sound. This feedback can be distracting and annoying, making it difficult to wear hearing aids for extended periods.
To address this problem, most hearing aids today have a feedback control feature that can adjust the gain or volume of specific frequencies to reduce the likelihood of feedback. This control is often automatic, but some hearing aids may also allow manual adjustments.
Directional Microphones
Directional microphones are another important feature of modern hearing aids that help to improve speech understanding in noisy environments.
These microphones are designed to pick up sound from a specific direction, typically in front of the user, while reducing sound from other directions.
This can be particularly helpful when the user is trying to communicate with someone in a noisy room, such as a party or restaurant.
Bluetooth Connectivity
Many modern hearing aids now offer Bluetooth connectivity, allowing for wireless audio streaming from smartphones, TVs, and other devices.
This feature can be particularly useful for watching movies or listening to music, as it allows the user to stream audio directly to their hearing aids without needing additional equipment.
Some hearing aids may also allow for remote control via a smartphone app, making it easier to adjust settings and change programs on the go.
Final words
Modern-day hearing aids offer a wide range of hearing aid controls and features that can be used to customize the listening experience for each individual.
If you or a loved one is considering buying a hearing aid, it’s important to work with an experienced audiologist who can help you find the right hearing aid and configure it to meet your unique needs. By taking advantage of the many hearing aid controls and features available, you can significantly improve your hearing and enjoy your social life!
Do you have difficulty hearing in quiet or noisy situations? If you think you do, we can help! Get a free online hearing test and discover the possibilities that come with hearing solutions.
