What’s New in Hearing Aid Technology
Rechargeable Hearing Aids
Most major hearing aid manufacturers now offer a lithium-ion rechargeable hearing aid in an over-the-ear and/or custom hearing aid style. Advancements in rechargeable hearing aid technology has allowed for longer battery life and smaller hearing devices. Hearing aids users can now enjoy a full day of hearing aid use with streaming from their devices from a single charge. Rechargeable hearing aids are a convenient and a great solution for clients with poor dexterity.
Artificial Intelligence Hearing Aids
Through machine learning, a subset of artificial intelligence (AI), hearing aids can now use algorithms (i.e. a set of rules) to sort through large amounts of data and make decisions. Taking it one step further, hearing aids are also now using another subset of AI called the Deep Neural Network (DNN). The DNN mimics neural habits of the brain and responds the same way your brain would without being explicitly programmed for how to react in a specific situation. AI hearing aids have been found to improve speech understanding in noise and to reduce listening fatigue.
Waterproof Hearing Aids
The first generation of waterproof hearing aids are now available. Changes to the design of the hearing aid such as tension fit pin-less receivers, Gore-Tex layering microphone protection, silicon sealed seams, waterproof coating, and the elimination of battery contacts all contribute to its waterproofing. These devices have also undergone rigorous testing in pool water, sea water, hot water showers with and without shampoo, and exposure to humidity, sweat, and high temperatures.
Motion Sensing Hearing Aids
Motion sensing hearing aids have a built-in accelerometer allowing the hearing aid to detect movement in a variety of different axes. The accelerometer tells the hearing aid if the user is walking, standing still, or moving in a certain direction. The hearing aids directional microphones and noise reduction system will adapt depending on the user’s movement. Motion sensing hearing aids have been found to improve environmental awareness, localization, and decreased listening effort.
Two-Way Bluetooth Streaming Hearing Aids
One-way Bluetooth streaming technology has been available in hearing aids for a few years now, however, two-way streaming is now being offered by most major hearing aid manufacturers. Two-way streaming allows hearing aid users to place and take calls on their mobile device without having to take their mobile device out of their pocket or purse. Users can connect, disconnect, and increase or decrease the volume of the call via the program button on their hearing aids. Hearing aid users can also enjoy listening to music, podcasts, programs and more on their mobile devices and tablets via one-way streaming.
Hearing Aid Apps
Complimentary hearing aid smart phone apps are available from most major hearing aid manufacturers. These apps provide hearing aids users with personalized listening control. Users can increase or decrease the volume of their hearing aids and change hearing aid programs. Some apps even allow users to adjust the microphone and noise reduction settings and create their own custom hearing aid programs. A “Find My Hearing Aids” feature for lost devices is also available on some devices.
Teleaudiology/Remote Hearing Care
Teleaudiology allows your audiologist to adjust your hearing aids and provide counseling without requiring a clinic visit. Web-based technologies connect an app on your smartphone to a secure online client portal on your audiologist’s computer. Remote care is a great option for clients with poor mobility or those living in rural areas. Please contact our clinic for more information if you are interested in receiving remote care.
Invisible Hearing Aids
As hearing aid technology advances hearing aid components can be made smaller and smaller without sacrificing sound quality. Our invisible completely-in-canal (CIC) custom hearing aids sit deep inside the ear canal so they cannot be seen by others.
Hearing Aid Performance Levels
Good Performance: Often referred to as “mid-level” technology by audiologists, these hearing aids are ideal for clients who lead quieter lifestyles. Clients looking for a solution in one-on-one or small group settings with limited background noise will benefit from this technology level.
Better Performance: Often referred to as “advanced level” technology by audiologists, these hearing aids are ideal for clients who lead more active lifestyles. Clients whose lifestyle involves meetings, dining out, noisy hobbies, and small and medium-sized gatherings will benefit from this technology level.
Best Performance: Often referred to as “premium level” technology by audiologists, these hearing aids are ideal for clients who lead busy active lifestyles and want the best for their hearing needs. Premium level hearing aids offer the highest level of speech enhancing and noise reducing technology even in the most challenging listening environments.
Hearing Aid Styles
There are 6 main styles of hearing aids. Each have their own advantages and disadvantages and not all hearing aid styles can adequately fit all hearing losses. Degree of hearing loss, dexterity, cosmetics, and features all play an important role when deciding on a hearing aid style. Our highly experienced audiologists will help guide you towards the most suitable hearing aid style and brand during your complimentary hearing aid consultation.

Behind the Ear

Receiver in the Canal/Ear

In the Ear

In the Canal

Completely in the Canal

Invisible in Canal
Our Trusted and Preferred Hearing Aid Manufacturers
These are our preferred hearing aid brands to work with. At Clayton Park Audiology you can feel confident knowing we will always offer the latest state-of-the-art hearing solutions that are best for our client’s needs.