Hearing works 24 hours a day, distinguishes more than 400,000 tones and is about ten times more complex than the human eye. While sleeping, driving, talking and even when we are alone. Because of this complexity, hearing loss affects much more than just how loud we hear sounds. The initial signs are usually very subtle and people do not notice them for a long time. Maybe we start to notice that someone in the company speaks a little more quietly than before, or the conversation in a restaurant becomes more difficult for us and we turn up the volume of the television. Since the changes occur gradually, they can be attributed to fatigue, stress or age.
According to the World Health Organization, more and more people are experiencing hearing problems, so early detection of hearing loss is becoming an important part of health care. Despite this, many people still delay the examination.
Where does the information we overhear during a conversation go?
Hearing problems often first show up in conversation, socializing and everyday communication. PHOTO: Neuroth
In the case of vision impairment, the problem is usually noticed quickly. Hearing is different, as the brain successfully adapts to changes for some time, so a person often does not perceive how much information he actually loses during a conversation.
When it comes to hearing loss, we are also afraid of stigma. Some still associate hearing aids exclusively with age, although hearing problems are not limited to one generation. Hearing is affected by noise, genetics, diseases, injuries and many other factors, and the consequences are not always obvious. People first start withdrawing from social life and conversations because they have to constantly ask their interlocutors to repeat themselves. Socializing becomes less relaxed, phone conversations more demanding, and meetings more tiring.
The doctor and writer David Zupančič also described a similar experience in public when he presented the case of his grandmother. At first the family thought he was withdrawing due to cognitive changes, but it later turned out that the main reason was hearing loss.
At Neuroth there is currently a promotion with a 5% discount for rechargeable hearing aids.
From sound amplifier to digital assistant
Rechargeable hearing aids make everyday use easier for users, as there is no need to regularly change batteries. PHOTO: Neuroth
A decade ago, hearing aids were quite different from what we know today. Technological development during this time has greatly changed their operation, size and customization options. Modern models analyze sound in real time, distinguish between speech and noise and help the user in very different circumstances. This is especially important where multiple sound sources are intermingled at the same time, such as in restaurants, at family gatherings or in a busy urban environment.
Rechargeable models, which simplify everyday use, are also an important technological shift. Users no longer need to regularly change batteries, which means less worry and more convenience.
A hearing aid that knows what’s going on around us
Phonak Infinio Ultra hearing aids improve speech intelligibility in challenging situations. PHOTO: Neuroth
The term artificial intelligence appears almost everywhere these days, so it is not surprising that it also applies to hearing aids. This begs the question of how much of these predictions are real technological progress and how much are marketing promises. In hearing aids, artificial intelligence brings advanced algorithms that analyze the sound environment and help the device choose the most appropriate way to process the sound.
If the user is sitting in a quiet living room, the requirements are different than during lunch in a full restaurant. The system detects changes in the environment and adjusts the settings accordingly. Thus, the device can pay more attention to the conversation, and some of the disturbing noise is reduced.
In the most advanced models, which also include some hearing aids Phonak Infinio Ultrathe development is mainly aimed at improving the intelligibility of speech in demanding situations. This is the area that users most often point to as the biggest challenge.
However, it is important to emphasize that artificial intelligence does not “read minds” and does not correct hearing loss. But it helps with faster and more accurate sound processing, which makes listening less tiring. This way we can still stay active at work and at home.
Telephone, television and hearing aid in the same system
Modern hearing aids enable connection with smartphones, televisions and other digital devices. PHOTO: Neuroth
Another big change is connectivity. Many modern hearing aids connect to a smartphone via Bluetooth technology. Through the application, the user can adjust the volume, monitor the battery status, select listening programs or receive phone calls directly to the hearing aid.
The same goes for listening to music, podcasts or TV audio. What was reserved for special add-ons a few years ago is now part of the normal user experience. Such connectivity is especially welcome for active users who communicate a lot on the phone or use several digital devices at the same time.
One of the most common reasons for procrastination is the belief that the test is complicated or uncomfortable. In fact, it is a quick and painless procedure.
First, a specialist or consultant conducts a conversation about possible problems and listening habits. This is followed by an examination of the ear, followed by hearing measurements in a special room.
During testing, the person listens to different tones and sound signals of different frequencies and volumes. The result is an audiogram that shows the state of hearing and possible loss in individual frequency ranges.
An examination does not mean that a person will immediately need a hearing aid. It is above all reliable information about the current state of hearing and helps with decisions for the future.
The problems are gradually escalating
Hearing problems often develop gradually, which is why people don’t notice them for a long time or put off getting checked. PHOTO: Neuroth
Impaired hearing does not improve on its own in most cases, and problems can gradually worsen over time. If the problem is detected early enough, adapting to possible solutions is usually easier.
Experts often point out that after receiving a hearing aid, people most often regret that they decided to have it checked too late, because many only then realize how many sounds they have stopped perceiving in their everyday life.
It’s not just about listening to TV or the phone. Conversations with family, colleagues and friends are important. Hearing has a significant impact on social contacts, integration into society and the quality of everyday life.
Professional help close to home
In Neuroth hearing centers, users are assisted in hearing testing, choosing solutions and fitting hearing aids. PHOTO: Neuroth
Neuroth is an Austrian company based in Graz that specializes in hearing solutions and operates a network of hearing centers in several countries. There are 17 hearing centers and three branches operating in Slovenia. The last new location is a consulting position at Levels in Carinthiagiving users in this area easier access to professional hearing advice and testing.
In hearing centers Neuroth they help users to examine their hearing, choose appropriate solutions and adapt hearing aids to different lifestyle habits and needs.
If you notice that it’s harder to follow conversations, turn up the TV volume more often, or family members warn you about hearing changes, a hearing test can be the first step to clearer hearing and easier communication.
Sign up for a free hearing test at the nearest Neuroth hearing center and check the condition of your hearing.
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