The Most Useful Technology for the Hearing Impaired
The technology used to help the hearing-impaired live richer, fuller lives has obviously come a long way over the past 200 years. Hearing aids, subtitled shows and movies, and other digital technologies help hearing-impaired individuals communicate and participate in the daily activities in a modern, technology-driven world.
Here’s a look at some of the latest tech products and services designed specifically for hearing-impaired individuals.
Hopper DVR with Bluetooth
In 2012 DISH introduced the Hopper, one of the most advanced DVRs in the industry. In addition to its whole-home functionality and its ability to simultaneously record up to six shows, it also includes Bluetooth functionality.
Bluetooth hearing aids and other similar products, like Bluetooth wireless headphones, are popular today, and many people with less-than-perfect hearing choose them for a variety of reasons. With Hopper’s Bluetooth functionality, DISH subscribers can pair their Bluetooth hearing-assistance products with the receiver to augment their viewing and hearing experience.
Bluetooth Technology
Swedish telecom giant, Ericsson, developed Bluetooth technology in 1994 as a way of replacing RS-232 cables frequently used by computer technicians to perform maintenance tasks on hardware. Today, Bluetooth is used to create personal area networks (PAN) allowing users to connect a wide range of devices to each other.
Assistive Listening Devices (ALD) such as headphones, communication devices, and hearing aids, have all benefitted by this technology. Bluetooth technology has not only resulted in the convenience of connecting devices wirelessly, it has also improved the lives of hearing-impaired people wanting to improve their quality of life.
Bluetooth technology is prevalent, which makes it easy for consumers to find the exact ALD products to fit their lifestyle and budget.
Bluetooth Hearing Aids
It wasn’t so many years ago when hearing aids were bulky and clunky and often came with their own receiver, generally carried in a pocket of the person wearing them. Today, hearing aids can be nearly invisible. Many brands are custom-fitted to each ear canal ensuring optimal performance.
Bluetooth hearing aids can turn any smartphone conversation into crystal clear communication and dramatically improve the clarity of television audio. These little miracles of technology can be paired with home telephones, smartphones and tablets, computers, MP3 audio devices, televisions, and cable and satellite receivers and can seamlessly disconnect and reconnect so telephone calls taken during a movie are as clear as the movie itself.
Like other consumer products, Bluetooth hearing aids are widely available, come with an impressive range of features and benefits, and will run the gamut from moderately priced to expensive. If you’re considering this type of technology, consult your family doctor or hearing specialist. Either can point you in the in the right direction and assist in making the best choice for you.
Smartphones and Tablets
In addition to being convenient, smartphones and tablet devices have opened an entirely new world for the hearing-impaired and deaf. Video conferencing, video chat, instant messenger, email, and access to the internet make it incredibly simple for anyone to communicate. Hearing-impaired individuals can use ASL while video chatting and can use email, text messaging, and instant messenger when speaking and listening are either impractical or impossible.
If you’re hearing impaired and are looking for solutions to improve your quality of life, a few minutes spent researching these and other products and technologies will enlighten you about all the possibilities available today.
Which Bluetooth device has improved your life the most?
About the Author: Lisa is a full time writer for SatNewsNow, and loves all things TV related.