Surprised? When you thought about a hearing aid, did you imagine a bulky device resembling a small beige banana? Fortunately for hearing aid users, that is no longer the case. Advances in hearing aid technology have made these devices smaller and smarter with more superior sound quality than ever before. Additionally, many hearing aids have the ability to connect users to our wireless world—a technology far beyond the traditional hearing aid experience.

In addition to streaming audio or media, Bluetooth technology has the ability to transform your smart device into a sophisticated hearing aid remote control. Some apps allow the user to adjust not only the volume, but also aspects of base, treble and the focus of soundwaves through the microphones.

Worried that it is far too easy to lose such a small device? GPS technology within the device and app provide the user with the last known GPS coordinates of the device. Lost your hearing aids in the house? Many devices have a feature that turns your smart device into a sophisticated game of “Hot and Cold” with a visual indicator that lights up the closer the user is to the lost device.

These are just a few of the amazing advancements in hearing aid technology, not to mention their sophisticated, sound-enhancing qualities. UT Health San Antonio’s ENT - Head and Neck Surgery (Otolaryngology) Practice provides diagnostic testing to determine if patients are candidates for hearing aids. Audiologists can perfectly match qualified patients with hearing aids that meet their needs and their lifestyles.

If you answer “yes” to any of the following questions, you should consider having your hearing tested:

• Do you hear that people are talking, but frequently have trouble understanding what’s being said?
• Do you struggle to hear the television or telephone conversations clearly?
• Do others accuse you of ignoring them, when in fact you didn’t actually hear them?
• Do you find yourself just nodding “yes” in group settings because you find it hard to understand the conversation? 
• Are you smartphone savvy and think you would enjoy manipulating your hearing aids using an app? 
• Would you like to stream your cell phone conversations wirelessly to both ears?

If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, call 210-450-9950 to make your appointment with an UT Health audiologist.