As soon as the first signs of hearing loss are felt, it becomes a matter of a reliable and complete hearing examination. Then, depending on the results obtained, it may be necessary to. However, the most recent hearing aids offer more comfort and better sound quality, mainly thanks to improved software.
The hearing test, first step
There are many signs of hearing loss or deterioration. It could be sounds in the ears, recurrent ear infections, hearing loss in a noisy environment, or even difficulty following a conversation with multiple people (or on the phone). Practical and easy to perform, online tests are not 100% reliable. They can be indicators, but do not replace a visit to the ENT or hearing care professional in a hearing center to free hearing test.
This hearing test includes different types of tests, namely the voice test and the tonal test. It involves measuring hearing at different frequencies to obtain an audiogram, which means a graphic curve representing a hearing threshold. This threshold is nothing more than the sound intensity (in decibels – dB) below which the patient no longer hears any sound (according to the frequencies). In passing, remember that a normal hearing threshold is generally between 0 and 20 dB. The audiogram thus makes it possible to check both the quality of hearing and hearing detection of possible hearing loss. In case of loss, it is also a matter of measuring the degree of gravity.
Credits: Welleschik / Wikipedia
Hearing aids have come a long way
After going through the hearing assessment box, it is a matter of: equip yourself if necessary. As Tendance Ouest explains in an article dated May 21, 2021, the field of hearing aids has recently undergone a true revolution, from analog to digital. Artificial intelligence has continued to progress in its approach to the human ear. Today, hearing aids can connect both ears for compensation or, analyze the environment to improve the user’s understanding. For example, they can know whether that same user is standing or lying, or even in a vehicle while determining his position (driver or passenger). For devices, the goal is simple: adjust their settings.
Today it is possible to use a microphone probe near the eardrum to measure the resonant cavity of the ear canal. The target ? Offer custom devices for a optimal listening comfort. Let’s also mention some new features, especially in terms of design. Some hearing aids look like spectacle frames on the back of the ear or even resemble (rechargeable) earplugs, similar to wireless headphones.
Finally, you should know that the most recent hearing aids are almost all equipped with Bluetooth technology. Thus, the user has access to the same functions as conventional audio headsets, namely: listen to music and even televisionthrough a connection through a special box.
