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Hearing aid technology and features

Modern hearing aids are much more advanced now. In addition to common features, they now come with Bluetooth connectivity, rechargeability, Machine Learning, and more.
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Introduction

Guide to Hearing Aid Technology and Features

Hearing aid technology has come a long way in the past decade. New advancements happen so fast that it can be difficult to keep up. If you choose to upgrade to new models right now you will find a lot of new features and technology to consider.

Many of the advancements in hearing aids match those we have seen in other technological devices such as computers and phones. Hearing devices now are smart— they are automated, they learn, and they can connect and integrate with other devices.

Here's a quick guide to the latest hearing aid technology and features you will find. First, there are three general technological advancements made that almost all hearing aids now have. Then there are distinct features that you will only find in certain models and brands.

Living your best life while wearing hearing aids
Bluetooth Hearing Aids

Life was never easier

Bluetooth® is a wireless digital technology that allows different devices that are close to each other to connect. This connection lets you exchange data and information, which can be used to do  specific things remotely between the devices. For example, one common type of Bluetooth® device is a remote speaker. You can connect your smartphone or music device to the speaker via  Bluetooth®. This lets you play music that is stored on your phone through the speaker.

How do Bluetooth® hearing aids work?

Bluetooth® hearing aids work in a similar fashion. It lets you connect your hearing aids to devices like smartphones, music players, computers, and televisions. You can then stream sound directly  from those devices to your hearing aids.

The benefit of Bluetooth® hearing aids is that the sound you stream from other devices is much clearer. When you play sound from a television or phone  without streaming, the sound is still coming from farther away.

What can you do with Bluetooth® hearing aids?

Here is a quick list of all the different ways you can use Bluetooth-compatible hearing aids:
  • Phone apps

  • Streaming

  • Music Streaming

  • Remote Microphone Streaming

How do rechargeable hearing aids work?

With rechargeable hearing aids, you don't have to open the hearing devices at all to remove old batteries and put in new ones. Here's how typical hearing devices work that are rechargeable:
  • 1.

    Plugin

    Plug your charging station into an outlet
  • 2.

    Place

    Set your rechargeable hearing devices into the charging station
  • 3.

    Charge

    You should see a light come on to indicate that they are set properly, and the batteries are being charged
  • 4.

    Ready to use

    When the light colour changes to indicate they are fully charged, you remove the device
That's it! Using rechargeable hearing aids is that easy. You can set them into the charging station overnight and have a full charge in the morning to last the day.
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Rechargeable Hearing Aids

The other big advancement for hearing aids in the past decade has been the rise of rechargeable batteries. Lithium ion technology has led to more powerful and longer lasting batteries that can also be  recharged. This means you don't have to buy new batteries and replace them when the old batteries run out.
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The control in your hands

Hearing Aid Apps

Hearing aid manufacturers now offer smartphone apps to control your settings. You can download the app on iPhone or Android phones, and they work just like a remote control accessory.
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Experience Advanced Hearing Aid Features & Technology for Yourself

The technology and features available in new hearing aids now are completely different from what they were a decade ago. All hearing aids are now completely digital instead of analog. Most hearing  devices now come with rechargeable batteries, with the option to buy units with replaceable batteries.

Now you can also stream audio from Bluetooth enabled devices directly to your hearing aids, which can help you hear your TV, phone, and music much more clearly, and without having to turn the  volume way up.

You also have the ability to control your hearing devices with your smartphone. This can be much more convenient than using another accessory or doing it manually. You can also buy hearing aids that use machine learning to update the settings automatically for you.

Lastly, hearing devices now are much better at making the sounds you want to hear clearer and more natural. They reduce background noise, enhance the sound of your own voice, and process sound faster than ever before.

If you want to know more, you can contact us at any time to schedule a free product discussion. You can also try the latest hearing aids for one week for FREE, with no cost or obligations.

FAQ

Hearing aid technology: FAQ

What kind of technology is in a hearing aid?

Is hearing aid technology improving?

What is the newest technology for hearing loss?

What is the most technologically-advanced hearing aid?

What are some examples of hearing assistive technology?

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Functionalities within the app

While there are some differences between the different apps, the general functionality is the same. These apps allow you to perform a lot of functions.

These hearing aid apps are very useful for people  who are younger and new to hearing devices, and enjoy advanced technology. If you use your smartphone regularly, it is convenient to be able to adjust all the settings for your hearing devices with an  app. That way you don't worry about manually adjusting them, and you don't need to carry a separate remote control accessory.

There are also phone apps to work with specific models and accessories, or to help with specific issues like tinnitus.

  • Adjust the volume settings

  • Adjust the noise reduction settings

  • Adjust the directional microphone settings

  • Adjust the listening programs and settings

WIDEX APPS

Widex currently offers six different smartphone apps:

  • MOMENT app — for control of WIDEX MOMENT hearing aids
  • EVOKE app — for control of WIDEX EVOKE F2 model hearing aids and the TV PLAY accessory
  • BEYOND app — for control of WIDEX BEYOND hearing aids
  • TONELINK app — for control of all WIDEX EVOKE and MOMENT hearing aids
  • COM-DEX app — for control of the WIDEX COM-DEX accessory
  • Zen app — for tinnitus therapy to prevent flare ups

SIGNIA APP

The Signia App is Signia's all-in-one app solution for people who own Signia hearing aids. Here are some of the features of the app:

  • Signia Assistant
  • Mask mode
  • Remote control
  • Directional hearing
  • Streaming connections
  • Virtual appointments
  • Hearing care chat
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Sustainability

Sustainability

At HearCANADA, we work to reduce our environmental impact. That is why we offer Siqnia's rechargeable hearing aids that have 65% less of an environmental impact compared to hearing devices with replaceable batteries, saving the average user more than 100 batteries each year. You can read more about the comparison of batteries here. We also carry Widex hearing aids and they have been recognized by the United Nations (UN) in 2011 as one of 15 companies that were harnessing wind technology as a primary energy source for its headquarters and production. Since then, they have signed the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC) and are committed to the UN's Ten Principles.

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Hearing aid brands

There are different brands and manufacturers of hearing aids that you can choose from. Each of them will offer hearing aids in the same styles and levels of technology, but with their own quality and hearing aid models.
All types of hearing aids such as BTE, ITE, ICC, RIC shown on the ear

Hearing aid types

Are you looking for hearing aids? Hearing aids come in a variety of types and styles, which can be broken into two main categories. We will talk about each type of hearing aid as well as the advantages and disadvantages of them.

Talk to a Hearing Care Professional in one of our centres.

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