Advancing sound

Most people might think the extent of their hearing capabilities stops at their hearing aids. But Sounds of Life Hearing Center goes above and beyond to help patients understand that hearing aids are just one part of a whole picture of possibilities, and there is so much more they can do to enhance their hearing experience. Now more than ever, people have the power to participate in their own success by utilizing both past and up-and-coming technology. They just need to know where to look.

Audiologist and founder of Sounds of Life, Dr. Sarah Curtis, speaks enthusiastically about these assistive listening options and technologies. They are designed to complement and work with hearing aids for optimal results, and the advancements through the decades have been thrilling.

She remembers when wireless streaming had just come out. Users could connect via Bluetooth on their phone through a “middle-man” device in that connected to both hearing aids, allowing them to be able to communicate and hear this way.

That was a big deal 15 to 20 years ago, not only for hearing aid users but also for those who just needed a little extra help. Nowadays, those “middle-men” are mostly obsolete as most smart phones can connect or stream directly to major hearing aid brands, pivoting the way people use and think about their hearing aids.

Captioned phones have also become extremely helpful over the years. These special phones display the text of a conversation, captioned by a live intermediary and double-checked for accuracy. It is safe, confidential, HIPAA-compliant and free for anyone over the age of 3 with a certified communication disorder. 

“Even if somebody came to us who wasn’t a patient and still wanted one of those phones, we can do a free, in-office screening to certify their hearing loss or give them a questionnaire to confirm behaviorally if they have difficulty and get them registered for a caption phone,” Dr. Curtis explains.

In addition to phone use, there are also options for living everyday life in public spaces. Many hearing aids have a built-in feature called Telecoil, an electromagnetic transmission of sound that connects to most landline phones or to a teleloop system installed within establishments. This provides sound devoid of background noise, making going to events like theater performances, concerts or church more accessible. 

Nevertheless, telecoil is considered an older technology that requires users to change programs and if inadvertently left in telecoil mode can make the hearing aids sound unpleasant. That is why Dr. Curtis is excited about a new breakthrough innovation that is superior to telecoil in ease and cost of installation, in use, and in sound quality, opening the door for endless possibilities.

It’s called Auracast, a Bluetooth signal that is low energy, affordable, efficient and can be streamed across different hearing aid brands. 

The broadcast is accessed through an app where users can find the channel they need and tune in. This technology is groundbreaking, standing to replace telecoils and change the landscape for hearing in public places. 

Advancements like Auracast are only going to get better with time, and Dr. Curtis believes adding these elements can make all the difference in someone’s hearing experience. While this is an exciting time, it’s important to remember these new advancements can take a while to roll out. Dr. Curtis encourages people to start the conversation within their communities, even if that means reaching out to her for help. She and her team know everybody has goals, and it is their job to help their patients reach their best outcome by laying out all the options as successful treatment of hearing loss extends far beyond hearing aids alone. 

Sounds of Life Hearing Center is located 8003 Auburn Road, Suite 4, in Concord Township. For more information and to schedule an appointment, call 440-579-4085 or visit the website SoundsOfLifeHC.com.