Hearing Loss? Consider These Hearing Assistive Technologies

If you’re living with hearing loss, one of your first steps was probably going to an audiologist to get your hearing tested. And then, having a conversation about hearing devices, like hearing aids.

And for some people, they do the trick.

But other people are better served with certain hearing assistive technologies. Or from a combination of hearing aids and assistive technologies.

“Hearing aids may not be the only answer for all of your hearing needs,” says audiologist Julie Honaker, PhD. “Some people don’t wear them all the time or could benefit from some additional features to extend their functionality.”

What are some of the hearing assistive technologies available to you? Dr. Honaker shares some of the options.

What is hearing assistive technology?

Hearing assistive technologies (HATS) are devices that can help people living with hearing loss.

Some of these technologies can help improve hearing in certain situations that hearing aids may not be best suited for. Like talking on the phone, watching TV or listening to a speaker in a crowded auditorium.

Others can help improve your ability to alert you in specific situations. Like when someone is at the door. Or if the fire alarm is sounding.

“HATS can help people with hearing loss stay safe and aware of their surroundings,” Dr. Honaker affirms. “And they can help keep you engaged in conversation and social interactions, which is important for your mental health and overall well-being.”

Types of hearing assistive technology

The best technologies for you to assist your hearing will depend on your level of hearing loss, your goals and your lifestyle.

But these common devices may be among technologies to consider.

Remote microphones

Remote microphones may help when things like background noise and overlapping chatter make it hard for you to engage in conversations.

These small, discrete microphones pick up a speaker’s voice and send it either directly to your hearing aids or to an intermediary device. That allows the talker’s voice to be heard as if they were standing directly across from you — even up to 30 feet away.

Remote microphones can be good options if you have trouble hearing in settings like:

• Classrooms
• Meetings
• Presentations
• Restaurants

“When speakers wear these devices, it can help amplify their voice directly to you and block out background noise so you can follow what’s being said and readily engage in conversation,” Dr. Honaker explains.

TV unit

If you’re turning up the TV to full volume or relying on captions, even with your hearing aids in, there are assistive technologies to help.

TV streaming devices are wireless units that send audio signals from your television either directly to your hearing aids or to an intermediary device. That allows you to adjust the sound of the TV to the volume that works best for you — without others complaining that it’s too loud.

Cell phone

Many hearing aids can connect directly to your smartphone or through another accessory. That means you can use them like headphones while talking on the phone or watching videos.

These also offer an advantage over holding your phone up to your ear because you use both ears.

“These can help people keep their cell phone use private, rather than having their phone volume up high or using speakerphone features to help amplify the sound,” Dr. Honaker points out.

Alerting devices

Your sense of hearing isn’t just for communicating with others. It also helps to keep you in touch with your environment.

Things like remote microphones, TV units and cell phone connections can help you follow conversations. Other hearing assistive technologies can alert you to other sounds around you.

“Alerting technologies can help people experiencing hearing loss to stay safe and independent,” Dr. Honaker notes.

Among these are technologies such as:

• Fire and smoke alarms. Some smoke alarms can alert you to a potential emergency by blaring extra loud signals, flashing lights, releasing a smell or even vibrating your bed.
• Doorbell alarms. Some devices allow your hearing aids to be programmed to announce when someone is at the door. Other technologies can be installed that flash a light, ring louder or vibrate so you know when you have a visitor.
• Alarm clocks. There are amplified alarm clocks that adjust the volume or pitch of the tone of your alarm to make it more audible for you. Additionally, a small vibrator can be placed under your pillow or a light can flash to wake you up in the morning when your alarm goes off.

What’s best for you?

If you think you may benefit from certain HATS, Dr. Honaker advises talking with an audiologist for recommendations.

These products can often be bought online or obtained through your healthcare provider’s office. And you may be able to purchase them using a health spending account (HSA) or flexible spending account (FSA).

But the options may be overwhelming. And some products may work better for you than others.

Working with your audiologist, you can be more confident in making the right choice for your needs.