Audiology and Hearing Aids 101
There is a lot of buzz about virtual reality headsets. These head-mounted display (HMD) devices are set to change the way we see, hear, and interact with computers and other digital devices. As our world becomes increasingly virtual, there’s an increasing demand for hearing professionals who can meet that need.
This article will explore how hearing aids work within the context of virtual reality and what types exist. It will also provide you with insight into the most common problems heard when using these headsets.
What is a hearing aid?
A hearing aid is a device that provides amplification, either through an earpiece or a nearby computer/phone. They are typically worn by people who have difficulty hearing. Hearing aids can be helpful for a number of different people. They can be used by the elderly, people with cochlear implants, and people with hearing loss due to aging, diseases, or medications. They are most commonly used by people who have a deficit in one or more of the following: speech, noise, balance, and/or balance due to aging.
These devices are not intended to treat your entire hearing loss, but rather to correct the hearing deficit that is the root of the problem. As Apex Audiology described, a hearing aid is simply an electronic device that sends sound through your eardrum and into your inner ear. There your hearing receptors (hearing pathways) “hear” the sound and “see” it in a much greater range of frequencies than when you are not wearing one.
How does a hearing aid work?
The components of an assistive hearing device are the same as those of regular hearing aids, with the exception of the computer chip and the battery. All that is different is that the computer chip is programmed to receive sounds in the form of sound values, rather than sound frequencies. As an assistive hearing device is similar in design to a regular hearing aid, it is possible to purchase one that is specifically designed for use with virtual reality headsets.
Most common problems heard when using virtual reality headsets
Most people who use VR headsets experience at least one problem when using them for the first time. Here are the most common problems people report:
- Noise – This can be due to sound traveling through the air or from nearby devices. This can be solved by using a lower volume setting or by placing a sound-canceling app on the phone.
- Noise from the phone or computer – Some people experience a sense of hearing loss when using a phone or computer next to their ears. This is easily solved by amplifying the phone/computer sound and placing it further away from the user.
- Consequences of using hearing aids – It is important to remember that hearing aids are not intended to replace your regular hearing. They are a supplement that can improve your quality of life.
The benefits of hearing aids
Hearing aids can be very effective when used correctly. When used properly, they can improve your quality of life by providing you with better sound perception, hearing specific information you might not normally hear, and allowing you to communicate with others more effectively. Whether you are the one using the hearing aid or someone else around you, the benefits of hearing aids are many. Here are just a few of the benefits:
- Better communication – People who use hearing aids report that they are easier to use and understand. This is likely due to the fact that they are much more aware of the sounds around them.
- More autonomy – When hearing remotely, users report an increased sense of agency and increased ability to control their listening environment. This is useful for people who often find themselves in other people’s homes while they are on the phone or in a meeting.
- More independence – People who use hearing aids often report that they are more independent because they are less dependent on others for basic functions such as using a computer or hearing a noisy commute.
- More social interaction – Those who use hearing aids often report that they are more social because they are less isolated from the world.
Conclusion
Hearing aids are devices that provide amplification, either through an earpiece or a nearby computer/phone. When used properly, they can improve your quality of life by providing you with better sound perception, hearing specific information you might not normally hear, and allowing you to communicate with others more effectively. Whether you are the one using the hearing aid or someone else around you, the benefits of hearing aids are many. If you are interested in hearing more about virtual reality headsets and the benefits of hearing aids, check out the different hearing aids in Sanford.