Hearing Aids and IoT
We are continually reminded that the world we live in is changing in new, and often uncontrollable, ways. We frequently hear ‘buzz words’ that we become familiar with, but don’t really understand. These buzzwords range from IoT to Industry 4.0, bitcoin and even Brexit. Gaining clarity is not as difficult as you may think and if you, or your loved ones, are losing your hearing then understanding more about current and future buzzwords can improve your quality of life.
Hearing Buzzwords
IoT is one of the many buzzwords that you hear or read about. The Internet of Things (IoT) is simply the network of physical objects that are embedded with sensors, software, and other technologies for connecting and exchanging data with other devices and systems over the Internet. You may already be using IoT if you have “Alexa” in your living room. If you don’t have any IoT gadgets yet, get ready. Eventually you will probably succumb to the next evolution in technology.
IoT Enabled Hearing Aids
Scientists and audiologists have been continuously striving to improve hearing aids since they were invented. Inventors around the world help hearing aid manufacturers and providers to improve the technology in hearing aids which, in turn, improves your quality of life if you, or your loved ones, are losing your hearing. So it happens that IoT hearing aids will eventually be offered worldwide. An IoT-enabled hearing aid could allow people who are losing their hearing to control smart home devices. An internet connected hearing aid will open up a world of possibilities for IoT devices. An IoT connected hearing aid makes it possible to program your hearing aids to communicate directly with connected devices like doorbells, smoke detectors and baby alarms as well as connect with the internet.
Expert Hearing Aid Advice
Steve Cotterell, a campaigner for deaf people, recently commented, “The potential of IoT is vast, but on a consumer level we’ve largely seen devices that focus on convenience. The usefulness of IoT enabled hearing aids would be limited at present as most IoT gadgets in our homes in use by deaf people are not internet-enabled. However, once the system is fully in operation I would anticipate that the number of devices and functions available would grow and this could become useful.” Steve added, “If these hearing aids can truly connect wirelessly with Bluetooth-enabled devices such as MP3 players, TV listeners and phones then this is something the deaf community has been waiting for.” Currently available systems involving induction loops are unsightly and subject to interference when you are out and about and can be patchy and limited in their range. If they work, these new IoT enable hearing aids could give wearers a new sense of freedom.
We are all living in the present so, until new IoT hearing aids become widely available, drop in to Clarisound where one of our professional audiologists will suggest a suitable hearing aid for you, or your loved one. Clarisound offers a wide range of affordable hearing aids in a variety of sizes, styles and colours that will restore your hearing and improve your quality of life. Your hearing aid doesn’t have to be IoT enabled, yet.