Technology and equipment for hearing and communication
This is constantly developing and improving - if you are unsure about anything mentioned here please get in touch and we will help you look at your options and work out what might suit you
Hearing aids and Implants improve all the time as technology develops. It is important to remember that hearing aids and implants cannot replace the hearing someone has lost or does not have, they can help but are different. The brain has to learn to pick up and recognise sound in different way. You may have heard of different types:
A hearing aid magnifies sound vibrations entering the ear, they are constantly improving and some can be adjusted using mobile phone apps.
A bone anchored hearing aid (BAHA) is similar to other hearing aids, but instead of being inserted into the ear canal or held behind the ear, it is fixed to a metal implant inserted into the skull.
A cochlear implant is a surgically implanted electronic device that provides a sense of sound to a person who has a severe or profound hearing loss.
You can read more the different type of about hearing aids and implants by following this link https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/hearing-aids-and-implants/
TIP It is a good idea to ask for a hearing test as soon as you are affected by hearing loss because it is easier learn to use hearing aids when you have only lost some hearing rather than waiting until you have lost a lot. NHS hearing aids keep pace with improvements–tending to be just a model behind latest tech and many are now Bluetooth enabled
Listening devices are small, portable mics that pick up speech and make it louder. You usually need your hearing aids to have a T Switch and you may need to wear a loop around your neck to transmit the sound from the microphone to your aids.
TIP There are a few different types to suit a variety of settings including meetings and if you are at work you make be able to get help from Access to Work to get the equipment you need
https://www.gov.uk/access-to-work
Mobile Phone Apps are programmes that work on your phone or tablet. The sometimes cost money (always check the reviews before paying for any apps) but many are free. They are being developed all the time, some can operate your hearing aids via Bluetooth so you can adjust them to suit the environment you are in while others convert live speech to text on screen.
Links to the two main free speech to text apps are below
Android Live transcribe
https://www.android.com/intl/en_uk/accessibility/live-transcribe/
I Phone NALscribe
https://apps.apple.com/ml/app/nalscribe/id1578207797
Remember that using text / SMS messages can help you to communication and you can let people know that you prefer to communicate via text or email if hearing over the phone is a problem
Freeman Hospital Audiology Department recommend the following Apps for Tinnitus:
Starkey Relax – soothing pictures & sounds, sleep timer
Oticon Tinnitus Sound App – relief sounds, breathing exercises muscle relaxation, sleep timer
Resound relief – nature sounds with gentle music and downloadable relaxation exercises
Phonal Tinnitus Balance – sounds and situations
British Tinnitus Association website also gives information about apps that might help you manage the effects of Tinnitus
https://www.tinnitus.org.uk/mobile-apps-for-the-management-of-tinnitus
Subtitles or closed captions on TV laptops or other mobile devices
Either a transcript of the dialog or live commentary in films, television programs, video games or video meetings. Usually displayed at the bottom of the screen, but can also be at the top of the screen if there is already text at the bottom of the screen. They can be with or without added information to help viewers who are deaf or hard of hearing to follow the dialog, or people who cannot understand the spoken dialogue or who have accent recognition problems. You can also often find an option for captions on You Tube videos
Health and Safety at Home or work There is a range of equipment extra loud and flashing systems for doorbells/fire/alarms. Hearing devices for the TV etc
TIP Some of this might be available via social services - look at our equipment supplier page for more information
Technology can be confusing for us all but as a method of communication to support hearing loss it can be extremely helpful. Rather than make phone calls that you might struggle to hear why not use the internet to find out information? If you are struggling with technology please contact us and we will see if we can help - if we can't we will find someone who can.
Our equipment supplier page gives details of suppliers that use the latest technology in their products.
For more information or support please contact Louise louisemcglen@deaflink.org.uk
