New Mobile Devices Make Life Easier with Hearing Impairments

People living with hearing impairment who use hearing aids or cochlear implants have traditionally struggled with finding phones and similar devices. In earlier times, the hearing impaired had to rely on amplifiers or TTY devices to use with a landline. The good news is that mobile phones currently use the features to help ensure that you don’t have to miss out on important calls anymore.

Should You Try to Select a Phone to Use Without Guidance?

With the array of phones available to choose from, you might be tempted to select an option that seems good, without going to a hearing specialist. Many people find the idea that they might have hearing problems difficult news to bear. For some, deciding to forgo a hearing test seems to make the problem go away. Others might see it as an issue that is easy to overcome without professional help. However, here are some thoughts to keep in mind: A hearing test can diagnose the severity of a hearing problem, rather than leaving how much of a hearing problem you have to a guess. Hearing specialists can make recommendations based on the severity of your hearing loss that a mobile phone sales professional cannot

Some phones may be compatible only with certain types of hearing aids. With compatibility being a potential issue, you need to use the assistance that is available. When you use the help that is available, you are more likely to make better choices when buying a mobile. 

How a Hearing Test Makes a Difference

A hearing test can make a world of difference for anyone who is experiencing hearing loss or is at risk for losing some of their hearing. Although hearing loss is often thought of as being a problem that only the elderly encounter, 34 million out of 466 million people worldwide with hearing loss are children. Genetic disorders and environmental factors can lead to hearing loss across all ages. Many professionals in certain professions, including those that involve working around machinery, are at risk of developing hearing problems. Seeking out a professional who can diagnose hearing problems you are experiencing may be the way to return some normalcy to your life. A Phonak Hearing Care Specialist is an example of a professional that can assist people living with hearing loss.

Why You Need to Understand Your Hearing Loss

There are two primary types of hearing loss, known as conductive or sensorineural. Each of these types of hearing loss affects different parts of the ear. With conductive hearing loss, the outer ear, as well as the eardrum and middle ear, are the most affected. People living with sensorineural hearing loss have trouble with the cochlea, inner ear, or the vestibulocochlear nerve. Hearing loss is disruptive to peoples’ lives in more ways than causing them to miss important conversations. Even though hearing loss is personally disruptive, many people delay seeking help for years. Some of the reasons people might put off getting help for their hearing problems include embarrassment or downplaying the severity of their hearing loss.

The Disruption That Hearing Loss Can Cause

Both personal and work-related communication can become very frustrating for all involved when someone has hearing loss. Asking people to repeat themselves can be awkward. Having a situation where you go along with what is said without comprehending everything is also a possible problem. When you don’t hear everything during a discussion, you can miss important details that affect you or others in your life. In a work setting, not hearing everything can lead to serious mistakes that could jeopardize your job. People who work in settings where they must use the phone need to be particularly cautious.

Types of Hearing Aids and Accessories

Choosing the right hearing aid will make a difference. Working with a hearing specialist can help you make the right choice. The hearing aids available include models that fit behind your ear, behind-the-ear models with a speaker in the ear canal, in-the-ear, and “invisible’ types.  There are also important accessories to think about as well. Microphones help make one-on-one conversations easier. Remote controls can be used to adjust the settings on some hearing aids, and apps can also be used to adjust some models. Knowing that there are so many choices available for hearing aids and accessories makes the decision easier.