For many people, innovations and hearing aid technology are not phrases that fit naturally together. However, for anyone who uses a hearing aid, it’s comforting to know that the industry is advancing and evolving just as much as any technology sector, bringing about increases in efficiency and offering users additional features. Here are some of the biggest innovations in hearing aid technology that 2018 has brought us so far.

1. OVP (own voice processing)

A revolutionary new feature of hearing aids is OVP, which allows the user to hear their own voice differently from everything else. By using a completely separate computer system which is dedicated to adapting and modulating the user’s own voice, it reduces the sound and quality problems that often come with users hearing their own speech. In addition, it means that those hearing aid users who would have traditionally been fitted with open dome aids can now be fitted with closed domes instead, without any auditory occlusion being caused.

2. Real-time care

As with everything, hearing aids are moving into the digital world, and a great new innovation is remote assistance and real-time care. For users who are experiencing a problem with their digital hearing aid, some companies provide real-time care through the use of an app, which can be downloaded straight onto a tablet or smartphone. This means that you or your remote audiologist can make changes to the features and settings of your hearing aid via the app, solving the problem quickly and easily, without the need to visit your audiology clinic for a minor adjustment.

3. Rechargeable hearing aids

While rechargeable hearing aids have existed previously, their capabilities were limited, with a short battery life. They were also usually only available with certain types of hearing devices, usually a receiver in canal hearing aids. However, this year has brought about a huge increase in the amount of lithium ion rechargeable hearing aids so that most aids now have the rechargeable option. A further development soon scheduled for release is Fuel Cell technology which means that aids will only need to be charged for minutes and yet will last for hours.

Innovations in hearing aid technology – where to find out more

Please see our “Hearing Aid Types” page for an idea of how we can help you. For a full hearing assessment or just some advice on solutions that would suit your hearing and your lifestyle, please contact us.

Attend our Open Days 2021 to find out more 

We are an Open Week 25th-28th October to showcase the latest launches by all the leading hearing aid manufacturers. Catch up on all the new releases that you may have missed out on during the lockdown. There is a new generation of hearing aids now available. Book an appointment during our dedicated Open Week to find out more. Choose from Paradise by Phonak, More by Oticon and AX Pure Charge and Go by Signia – this is an opportunity to discuss with Wendy, Kevin or Selma if one of the new aids would give you an even better hearing solution and then trial the right one for you!

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