It is without a doubt, that 2020 has been quite a unique year, one unlike any other before. As a result, we have noticed a shift in terms of features that are most important to hearing aid users.
Here are the three ‘must have’ features of hearing aids in 2020! These three features have been selected based on our clinicians' feedback about the changes they have observed in their clients' needs.
1. Remote Programming and Tuning Capability
This feature is definitely a lot more important in 2020 than it was in 2019. The ability for your audiologist to make adjustments to your hearing aids, without you needing to attend the clinic, has been vital to many of us, particularly those under Stage 4 restrictions in Melbourne. This has also been extremely handy for those of us living in remote and rural parts of Australia. Adjustments can be made to hearing aids from afar through the use of a smart device, App and a video call.
2. Bluetooth Connectivity
Customers want to have some way of streaming audio from their phones, computers or tablets directly into their hearing aids to ensure improved sound quality.
Last year there weren’t as many people working from home and participating in virtual meetings via video calls, or people who were catching up with friends and family on Zoom and FaceTime. However now customers see being able to directly stream audio into their hearing aids as a really important feature.
With so many people spending more time at home listening to audiobooks, podcasts, music & watching YouTube video, the ability to have this amplified sound going directly to your ears has escalated in terms of importance for many customers. As a result, Bluetooth connectivity is now a ‘must-have’, as opposed to a ‘nice-to-have’ feature.
3. Rechargeability
Currently its is not as easy as it used to be for a customer to pop into a clinic to a grab a packet of new batteries. Whilst we can buy our hearing aid batteries online, we still have to wait for them to be delivered. Having access to a hearing aid with a rechargeable battery means customers are able to ensure they have working hearing aids all the time.
So whilst you mightn’t think you need these new features, consider how they can be used to ensure you get the most enjoyment out of life.