New Features Make Hearing Aids Easier to Use
If you’ve given up on hearing aids or avoided them altogether, listen up! New features make them easier than ever to use.
By Margaret Littman
Feature: Automatic mode controls
Benefit: Most hearing aids require the wearer to flip the tiny switch to telecoil mode manually before picking up the phone (to eliminate that telltale squeal). Instead, look for an automatic switch feature that seamlessly adapts between in-person and landline telephone conversations. (Note: Some cell phones are hearing aid compatible [HAC], but not all.)
Feature: Rechargeable batteries
Benefit: Depending upon the model and hours of use, batteries on older hearing aids need to be replaced anywhere from every few days to every two weeks. Rechargeable batteries still need replacement – eventually – but in the meantime, just plug your hearing aid into a charger nightly, like with a cell phone.
Feature: Ear-to-ear (e2e) technology
Benefit: e2e automatically adjusts one hearing aid when the other is adjusted manually. This time-saving technology halves the hassle of manipulating tiny controls.
Feature: Wireless capability
Benefit: Hearing aids with built-in Bluetooth (wireless) capability are still in development, but will be arriving in stores soon. For now, external devices, such as the Epoq Streamer ($250), allow hearing aid users to use their cell phones and MP3 players wirelessly.
