Fun facts about hearing aids
A hearing aid is a remarkable device. It can transform the lives of those with hearing loss, and there may be more to these small machines than you can guess.
Over a century old
The first electric hearing device was created at the end of the 19th century by Miller Reece Hutchinson. It is thought that Alexander Graham Bell’s telephone and Thomas Edison’s carbon transmitter helped pave the way for these early hearing aids.
Hearing loss is common
Approximately 5% of the world’s population experiences some form of hearing loss. Throughout history, this has included famous names such as the composer Ludwig van Beethoven.
It is thought that only around 17% of these people use a hearing aid. If you have concerns about your hearing, consider consulting an audiologist. A relevant internet search for your area, such as ‘audiologist Cheltenham’, will produce results such as imperialhearing.com/audiologist-near-me/cheltenham/.
Evolving tech
As technology has evolved, the hearing aid has not lagged behind; instead, it is using new technologies, with researchable hearing aids being just the beginning of modern developments. Today, hearing aids can focus on voices while reducing background noise. Some can use Bluetooth to sync with a mobile phone, meaning they can play podcasts or music, and some can use smart technology to interact with smart home devices via a range of apps. There are even some hearing aids that use GPS technology, meaning that if you have your settings configured for a place you visit regularly, such as your favourite café, your hearing aid will automatically adjust while you are there.
