Five ways hearing aids have changed since you were a kid

Hearing aids have come a long way over the last century thanks to advances in technology. Despite this, the thought of wearing a hearing aid for many still conjures images of conspicuous earpieces with battery attachments. This and the general social stigma of hearing loss can cause those that can truly benefit from hearing aids to put off getting one. In fact, of the nearly 35 million hearing impaired Americans, 11 percent of the U.S. population, more than 25 million of them do not have a hearing aid.

These days however, hearing aids are new and improved. Think tiny in size and compatible with your iPhone or Android device.

Here are a few key features of today's hearing aid:

1.    Smaller and nearly invisible styles with power

Hearing aids of today are much more discreet and available in nearly invisible designs. These types are placed deep in the ear canal, allowing sound to travel up the natural shape of the ear to funnel to the microphone. They also have more natural sound quality as a result of the deep placement in the ear and its ability to preserve the sounds interacting with the natural shape of your ear.

2.    Receiver-in-canal styles for high frequency hearing loss

These are one of the most popular hearing aid styles available today. This is mainly due to their discreet and comfortable design. With this style, the sound reaches your eardrum more quickly due to the placement of the receiver, which gets tucked into your ear canal.

3.    Digital processing with computer chips to address a wide range of challenges

Digital programmable hearing aids convert sound waves into digital signals. The digital signals are then processed by the small computer chip in the hearing aid. This aid is micro in size and the chip is extremely powerful, with the ability to handle processing and even wireless communication.

4.    Wirelessly programmable

Wireless technology allows you to hear things like your television, cell phone, or home stereo directly through your hearing aid with the use of Bluetooth technology. This can help eliminate feedback and interference that may occur when putting two devices against each other, like in the case of hearing aids and cell phones.

5.    Works with your iPhone or Android as a controller

iPhones allow you to pair your wirelessly programmable hearing aid with their phones. You can then use your iOS device to view your hearing aid’s battery life, adjust the volume, and control nearby iOS devices. Androids offer similar connectivity capabilities.

The evolution of hearing aids has made them more comfortable, efficient and effective life changing devices. Now is the time to take control of the path towards better hearing.