Introduction
Hearing loss is one of the most common disabilities in the United States. According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, approximately 36 million adults and children have hearing loss. For many people with this condition, assistive technology can provide a solution that enables them to hear better and live more comfortably. In this article, we will explore various assistive technology devices for those living with hearing loss.
Wearable Hearing Aids
Wearable hearing aids are small and discreet. They can be worn in the ear, behind the ear or in the canal. Wearable hearing aids are not as powerful as traditional hearing aids but they’re more affordable.
A wearable device is a type of assistive technology that allows people with moderate to severe hearing loss to hear better by using an external microphone and speaker system connected to a smartphone or tablet via Bluetooth technology.
Smartphones with Built-In Hearing Aids
Smartphones with built-in hearing aids are improving quality of life for people with hearing loss. This technology is also known as “hearables,” which refers to wearable devices that can be worn on the body or in the ear. Smartphones with built-in hearing aids can be used in a variety of ways:
- To amplify sounds around you
- To record conversations for later playback (with subtitles)
- To connect wirelessly with other smart devices like watches, glasses and headsets
Apps for People with Hearing Loss
There are many apps that can be used by people with hearing loss, but the most important thing to know is that they are not all created equal. Some may be free, but they may also have a lot of advertisements or other annoying features that make them difficult to use. Others will cost money and be worth every penny if they provide an excellent user experience.
Here’s a list of some popular apps:
- Cochlear Implant Users’ Group (CIUG) Community App – This app was developed by Australian researchers and provides support for people who use cochlear implants as well as those who may benefit from one in the future. It includes information about different types of implants available around the world including their benefits, risks, costs and more! The goal is for users to feel empowered when making decisions regarding their own health care needs so they don’t feel alone during this process either emotionally or physically after surgery takes place.”
Virtual Reality & Augmented Reality for the Deaf, Hard of Hearing and Deaf-Blind
Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) are two technologies that use headsets to immerse users in an artificial environment. VR completely replaces the user’s view of the real world with a computer-generated one, while AR overlays digital information on top of what you see through your own eyes. Both are used in the medical field to help people with hearing loss, but they differ from each other in some important ways.
Conclusion
The main difference between virtual reality and augmented reality is where you put your focus–with VR, it’s on something else; with AR, it stays on what’s right in front of you.
