Ch-Ch-Ch-CHANGES – in the words of the late, great
David Bowie;
this is certainly true in the world of hearing technology. For this reason we do not want our journal to be out of date before it is even printed, so therefore this article discusses the areas that we consider when working with you to find a system to suit your lifestyle. To find out more about the very latest from each manufacturer we encourage you to see our technology updates and reviews on our website:
www.astonhearing.co.uk/investing-in-hearing/hearing-technology/
Technology has moved on so far in recent years, and just as our mobile phones have become more like personal computers in our hand, significant developments have also been made within hearing technology. We are really excited by all the advantages that this new generation of hearing devices has on offer.
Customisation
Conversation
Often the biggest challenge for people with a hearing loss is following conversations in noisy environments.
Today’s hearing devices use a series of features to maximise conversation and minimise intrusive background noise, whilst keeping the sound experience realistic and natural.
There are new approaches to noise management which have only been possible with the super-fast processing chips we are now able to benefit from. These are helping to preserve speech in all directions rather than focusing on one single speaker, creating a more natural sound.
Choice
We fiercely defend our independence. It is of utmost importance that we are able to provide the very best choice of technology available. Each manufacturer tends to produce technology with similar functions and features but we find that each have a slightly different feel or sound. Not that they are better or worse – just different and one sound that suits one person does not necessarily suit the next. This is the reason we will always remain true to our independent status.
Confidence
By taking control of your hearing, and using technology to maximise its potential, you can approach life with confidence. With advanced products and excellent service, we aim to give you the tools to empower yourself to make the most of your hearing.
With so much innovation across the industry, it can be difficult to choose which device or manufacturer would suit you best. As we are independent, our audiologists will always make an informed, impartial choice for a hearing instrument that best suits your personal situation and you can try different options as necessary. We offer a 60-day trial period with as many appointments as necessary to ensure that the devices perform to their fullest capability, as well as ongoing care to help you to continue to make the most of your technology.
Connectivity
Your hearing aids can now fit seamlessly into your busy lifestyle by pairing with other technology, giving you more control than ever before. You can use Bluetooth to stream sounds from a Bluetooth enabled sound source directly into your hearing system. This significantly improves audibility, clarity and also has huge benefit when you are watching television with other people – you can have your own personal listening level whilst your family can listen at their comfort level.
One of the best features with today’s hearing technology is the ability to link directly to your mobile phone. You can accept calls, hands free and hear the caller in both ears – set to your personal listening requirements. This system has allowed a number of clients to continue to work when they thought their hearing loss was making it too difficult to cope.
In addition to streaming calls and sound through your hearing aids most mobiles can now be linked using sophisticated download-able apps. Giving you as much or as little control over your hearing in multiple sound environments. Your mobile phone can also be converted to a remote microphone that can be used in very difficult listening environments. With the possibilities that connectivity brings, we can be excited about the future of hearing technology. We no longer need to think of hearing aids as a medical device – they are now a part of all the technology we use every day to keep us connected to the outside world.
Cosmetic
For those looking for a discreet system and for whom cosmetics is key, we are delighted by the choice of technology now available in tiny devices. The key to this is super-fast computer processing which is now available in tiny digital micro-processors and this is driving down the size of all hearing aids whilst increasing the power and ability. With these tiny but powerful devices, you can have both the look and the performance to meet your lifestyle needs.
Convenience
At Aston Hearing, we recognise that you never stop relying on your hearing. We aim to supply convenient products that fit into your lifestyle, such as rechargeable hearing aids. Hearing aids are now benefiting from the research in rechargeable technology from other industries such as mobile phones.
We see our role at Aston Hearing as part of this convenience factor, by offering our services from three different locations. One of our most popular services is wax removal. Keeping your ears clear and ready to hear is essential when wearing hearing aids.
We recognise the need to see you as soon as possible at a time and place to suit you. We are therefore open 5 days per week in three locations, plus we offer evening and weekend appointments by arrangement. We also have our 24/7 hot-line should you need our support in an emergency.
Control
In modern hearing systems we have numerous control options to suit you. Some people want their hearing aids to be completely automatic – you put them in and they will automatically adjust to each sound environment. We can demonstrate this on the computer in our consulting rooms to show you exactly what is happening in real-time. Other people like to have the automatic function with the ability to take control of the settings in certain situations. We can set you up with a remote control or you can even use an app on your mobile phone, iPad or Apple watch! We can set your hearing aids up with multiple listening programmes which you can switch between easily for different activities or environments – such as TV listening, restaurant settings or music programs.
Certain systems even allow us to access the programming remotely and make adjustments to your hearing aids from afar. This has been particularly effective when people are out of the country on business or if they live away from our area. This has other advantages too as we can make real-time changes for you to try out there and then in your own home whilst we are on hand remotely. Over the next few months we will be developing this area as we see huge advantages of being able to offer this remote programming service more universally.
Cost-Effective
We are not necessarily the cheapest place to buy hearing aids but we know that we are extremely cost effective. It is our aim to ensure you are provided with a system that you are happy to wear every single day of your life and that it will last you for a minimum of 5 years. The way we ensure longevity is to help you make the most of the technology you have purchased. We do this by considering where your hearing is likely to be in the future to ensure there is sufficient headroom for changing hearing and lifestyle. Our Carefree Hearing Plan ensures that we can keep your hearing aids maintained and in good order for as long as you need. Many hearing aid retail shops are all about the future purchase. We will not encourage a new purchase unless we can prove increased benefit when compared to your current system.
