Hearing aid technology that helps with limiting undesired background noise
When a person with hearing issues opts to use a hearing aid, the last thing they want to experience is unwanted noise. More often than not however, background noise is a major nuisance that keep irritating these clients. Many confess that this undesired noise is amplified as much as that of the desired conversation. While some have resigned themselves to this state, others have sought help.
Modern technology can, to a significant level, reduce such noise. This means that even with the best and modern technology, this problem cannot be completely eliminated. This fact was stressed by Patricia B. Kricos, PhD in an article titled ‘Tips for Hearing in Noise’.
Before getting into that, having problems with hearing when there is background noise can be a pointer to early hearing loss setting in. a client’s early complaint is usually inability to hear well in a noisy places such as in restaurants, bars and other places where people are many and talking all at the same time. On a one on one conversation, however, these people do not, at least initially, have any problem with hearing.
Effects of background hearing problems
Failure to understand what others are saying in a crowded place.
You feel left-out when others exhibit emotions because you do not understand why they are showing them
You are lonely in a crowded place even amongst friends
You may feel embarrassed because you may need to ask people to repeat what they have just said. Impatient people can make it very difficult for you.
It can affect your overall quality of life. It can lead to psychological stress.
How to tackle background noise in hearing loss disorder
There are two main ways of tackling background noise in persons with hearing problems.
Personal-social strategies
Technological strategies
Personal-social strategies
This involves taking proactive steps to improve communication in view of your challenged hearing. The aim is to minimize hearing problems when you are out in a noisy place. Plan ahead and consider where you want to go. A few suggestions include:
Choose a less noisy establishment
If you need any special services such as a specific table or accommodation, make arrangement in advance. This will minimize need to have verbal communication later.
Go out with small groups of people
Reveal to the necessary persons that you have a hearing problem
Don’t be overly concerned by your problem so that you fail to enjoy the company you are in and in the food or activities you are involved in. remember, even people with normal hearing don’t catch every word of a conversation held in a noisy place.
Technological strategies
Technology has greatly helped to manage background noise for people using hearing aids. Some of these strategies include:
Auditory training. This involves listening skills training that use interactive software that creates varying background noise situations. The training can help you to cope better in real-life situations.
Frequency Modulation (FM) technology. This works by having a transmitter and a receiver that picks and transmits sound to the patient’s ear.
Double hearing aids. This helps you to improve on sound location, loudness, and clarity.
Hearing aids with adjustable microphones. With this, you can adjust the hearing aid so that it faces where you want to focus your attention. This is in contrast to a microphone that picks sounds from all directions.
With all these, and others, technologically advanced hearing aids to choose from, how do you know which is the best for you? It can be a daunting task. At this center, you will meet hearing loss experts that will examine your hearing status and give you the most appropriate advice or treatment. For a no-obligation appointment, book here.