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The Latest in Hearing Aids and

Hearing Assistive Technologies

Larry Medwetsky, Ph.D.


Gallaudet University
Department of Hearing, Speech and
Language Sciences
202-448-6965
larry.medwetsky@gallaudet.edu
Introduction to Topic
Individuals with hearing loss now have access to many
possible solutions to help them access the world of sound
in ways that they could never before
These include digital hearing aids, hearing assistive
technologies, and downloadable cell phone apps
For those with profound hearing loss, cochlear implants
can now restore some degree of hearing to most
individuals (and are able to do more & more over time)
Hearing Aids
There have been many recent technological advances in
hearing aids:

- improved ability to help people hear better in noise

- automatic adjustments to different listening


environments, ensuring comfort and soft sounds are
more audible

- hearing aid can have different programs (quiet, noise,


telephone, music)

- for those with a mild to moderate hearing loss, hearing


aids can have an open fit (no ear molds or aid in ear)
Hearing aids come in many different styles/levels
of technology.
High Tech Abilities of New, High
End Hearing Aids
Hearing aids can almost be considered as personal
communication devices, since they can be used with
remote mics, as well as connect wirelessly to
phones/ entertainment systems, including:

cell phones,
personal computers,
HDTVs that are blue-tooth enabled.
Hearing aid
paired directly
to Cell Phone
Other Features of Hearing
Aid Connectivity
Can purchase a small remote mic that talker can wear,
which can send signal to a hearing aid streamer or
directly to the hearing aid
Especially helpful when one cant see talkers face (such
as when driving, in or are sitting in back of car)

Hearing aids can talk to each other for example, one


can listen to phone in one ear and signal transmitted to
other ear, thus, hearing in both ears

Pair with cellphone, one can use the phone as a remote


control
Hear in Class
Hear at Distance

Hear in Group

Hear TV
What Can One Expect From Hearing Aids
The consumer should expect the following:
Obtain benefit from hearing aids (the amount
depending on the degree of hearing loss)

If fit with hearing aids for first time, adjustment will take
time to become used to new hearing aids
an average of seven years before individuals
purchase hearing aids, thus, time to retrain the brain
Hearing aids will not restore hearing to normal but will
certainly help
Focus on how the hearing aids help and not on what
they cant do
Why are Two Hearing Aids Better
than One?

Audiologists generally recommend two hearing aids (except


when there is very different hearing between the two ears
or only one ear has a hearing loss):

A more balanced, natural sensation of sound

Easier to determine where sounds are coming from


(especially important in those with visual loss)

The ability to hear talkers on either side


Why are Two Hearing Aids Better Than One?

Better speech understanding in noise


The brain needs input from both ears to better
localize/separate sound sources; in turn, the individual
can then focus attention on what he/she wants to hear
and try to block out the background noise

Increased ability to hear softer sounds

Increased enjoyment of music

Less stressful listening


Cochlear Implants (CI)
CI are generally used by individuals with
severe/profound hearing loss whereby hearing aids
provide little benefit per speech understanding
A CI consists of a processor and an implantable
portion with electrodes that are inserted into the
cochlea (inner ear) of an individual
The implantable portion must be surgically inserted
Please note the CI is able to help many people hear
better but at best would be hearing as someone with a
moderately-severe to severe hearing loss with hearing
aids
Hearing Assistive Technology For
People With Hearing Loss
There are a number of listening situations when
equipment other than hearing aids may be beneficial.

Sound Enhancement Technology include devices which


make it easier to hear (even from a distance) and can
decrease the effects of background noise.

A digital mic/transmitter that


can be worn on neck or
placed on table and sent to a
receiver or hearing aid
Hearing Assistive Technology
Television Enhancement Technology makes the audio
signal easier to hear or presents it in a visual form.

TV Listener with
neckloop

TV Listener with
speaker
Assistive Device Technology- contd

Telephone Enhancement Technology amplifies the sound


signal or presents it in a visual display.

This telephone has the ability


to program telephone numbers
in photo frame buttons to make
frequent calls easier.
Assistive Device Technology- contd
Alerting/Warning Systems allows the user to be alerted
to important environmental sounds.

Alarm Clock & Bed Door Alert


Shaker
Baby Monitor System

Wearable CRU receivers


Assistive Device Technology- contd
Blue Tooth Technology (use for cell phones, computers,
HDTV with blue tooth capability)

BT Mic with System


Summary
Key points to remember:

1. Hearing loss can greatly affect ones quality of life,


yet there is much available that can help individuals
with hearing loss (and family members) to live life to
the fullest.

2. Individuals with hearing loss do not have to


suffer needlessly; almost everyone can be helped to
some degree.

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