Hearing Aid: An Essential Tool for Ears That Refuse to Listen

The hearing aid - a device that can transform the lives of the hearing impaired, or just make it easier for relatives to shout at them. This clever piece of technology is designed to amplify sounds in order to increase the ability to hear, or amplify conversation to give the illusion that one is listening. Here’s everything you need to know about this fascinating tool that makes ignoring others a lot more sophisticated.

History

The history of hearing aids goes back to ancient times, where people used natural resources such as horns, shells and even animal bladders to amplify sounds. Thankfully, evolution has brought about the technology that we now know and love, with hearing aids becoming more efficient, smaller and easier to wear.

Types of hearing aids

There are many types of hearing aids on the market including behind-the-ear, in-the-ear, and in-the-canal models, all with their own unique benefits. Some models even come with the ability to connect to smartphones, making it easier to ignore incoming calls from pesky acquaintances.

Famous hearing aid users

It may come as a surprise to many, but a number of famous individuals have relied on hearing aids in order to hear. These include former US presidents Thomas Jefferson and Bill Clinton, as well as legendary British rocker, Pete Townshend. Each relied on their hearing aid to catch important conversations or simply their own voice for public speeches or music performances.

Myths

Despite its utility, hearing aids have been shrouded in misconception and stereotypes. It is often assumed that only elderly people use hearing aids or that the wearing of a hearing aid is a sign of weakness. This simply is not true. Hearing aids are for anyone who wants to make life easier and avoid the embarrassment of being caught ignoring their better halves during family reunions.

The Future

The future of hearing aids is certainly exciting, with new technological advancements being made every day. From bone-anchored hearing aids to hearing implants, the possibilities are endless. In fact, we might soon see hearing aids that come equipped with lie detection software so that one can continue pretending to pay attention without getting caught. One can dream, can’t they?