What are Directional Microphones Directional microphones are used in virtually all current hearing aid models to prevent some background noise from entering the hearing device, depending on the location and volume of the "noise" versus the desirable signal (e.g. speech). On a basic level, there are...
What is the Tinnitus Manager? For many individuals with hearing loss (and some without), they also have to cope with tinnitus. Tinnitus is the presence of a sound in the head/ears (e.g. ringing, buzzing, etc) that is not present in the environment. This can cause a degree of annoyance,...
What is it? Hearing aid manufacturers are now able to control a peak in the frequency response when wind noise is present blowing over the microphone. This feature has evolved to the point that the wind noise can now be reduced without diminishing the quality of...
What is Transient Noise Reduction? We've already discussed digital noise reduction, which helps reduce ongoing, droning-type noises such as fans. However, the digital noise reduciton system is not fast enough to handle certain transient sounds. For example, if someone drops a fork on the floor, that...
What is it? With data-logging, the hearing aids actually record how you use the hearing aids (e.g. volume control adjustments, duration of daily use), and the different listening environments in which you are exposed on an everyday basis. This provides your audiologist with objective data to further customize...
What is Bluetooth Compatibliity? This technology uses a Bluetooth or wireless streaming device (either worn around the neck or kept in the pocket) to receive sound from Bluetooth transmitters and send the sound to the hearing aids. For example, the streaming device will pick up the...
What is it? Hearing aids are equipped with lots of signal processing designed to manipulate the signal to maximize speech perception for the individual with hearing impairment. However, some of those technologies designed to help the listener process speech clearly can negatively affect music, live theatre, and...
What is Digital Noise Reduction? Noise reduction systems are designed to improve comfort in noise, not necessarily your ability to hear in noise. They are activated to minimize background sounds such as fans, refrigerator hums, etc. While the digital noise reduction systems between hearing aid models...
What is it? Self-learning usually works in conjunction with data-logging (discussed in previous post). With this feature, the hearing aid learns and applies your volume changes and preferences for various listening situations. A manual volume control or remote is necessary to have access to this feature....
The September month always reminds me of acquiring new knowledge and learning; maybe its seeing the excited faces of the young school children walking to school, or the buzz in downtown halifax as the university students return, but something about september makes me want to learn. The...