I made a presentation the the Hearing Loss Association of Santa Barbara. They’d asked me to talk about the latest technology. Here’s a summary.

Helpful New Technology:

1) Help in noise:
– Faster sound processing
– Wireless connection between hearing aid via 2.4 gHz, near field magnetic induction

2) Bluetooth:
– To find lost hearing aids
– To remotely control hearing aids
– To hear cell phone calls, TV, or a remote microphone through hearing aids without a lot of extra devices.
– Stream tinnitus masking apps from your phone or tablet

3) Rechargeable batteries

Important Old Technology:

1) Telecoil for use in looped theaters like the Granada, Lobero, and Arlington

2) Directional microphones for help in noise

Fancy New Stuff That Doesn’t Improve Hearing:

1) Hearing aids that can be adjusted remotely

2) Hearing aids that translate languages

3) Hearing aids that monitor exercise like a FitBit

4) Hearing aids that start the coffee or tell you when you get an email