While our hearing aids can help us feel sexier — because we can communicate better — the beige-colored arcs behind or in our ears don’t always look the part. But with new entrants in the Hearables market, a wider variety of options is likely on the horizon. In my latest article for HHTM, I explore two recent announcements in the industry and what they might mean for people with hearing loss.
An excerpt from the article is below. Read the full post at FindHearing on HHTM.
How Should Hearing Aids Look?
There is not one answer that fits everyone. Some of us want our devices to be boldly shaped, brightly colored and noticeable. We decorate them and wear them with pride. If people can see our devices, we hope, it might make it easier to get the communication assistance we require.
Others prefer our hearing devices to slide into the background — hiding deep in our ears or blending into our hair or skin. We may be battling stigma or other self-imposed negative attitudes about hearing loss that inspire us to hide our devices from view and the inevitable questions they might raise about our ability to hear and function well.
The degree and type of hearing loss may also factor into our choices. While people with mild or moderate hearing loss may do very well with smaller devices, people with more severe losses may need the power that only a larger aid can provide.
People with hearing loss benefit when there is choice.
The real answer is that there is no one right answer for everyone. And with so many new entrants coming into the hearables market — there doesn’t need to be. People with hearing loss benefit most when there are a variety of choices available — options for both the look and the function of our devices. As well as the price point.
I am excited to watch as the industry continues to evolve. The real winners this time around may actually be the consumer.
Read the full article on HHTM.
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they should like like some head phone people would not know your hard of hearing ,they could look like earbuds .
That is definitely the preference of some people. Others disagree. Thank you for adding to the discussion.
Why is there a stigma attached to hearing aids? and hearing loss? There’s no stigma in wearing glasses, being on crutches. And there doesn’t seem to be a stigma with cochlear implants – yet they are often very visible. So what is the difference between wearing hearing aids and a cochlear implant?
I wish I knew. Historical references to “deaf and dumb” may be part of the stigma. Education and access are required to change these views over time. Thank you for your comment.
I totally agree. If people can see that you are wearing hearing aids they often do notice ( unless your hair covers them) and attempt to communicate.
They could be more brightly coloured!
Thank you for sharing your preferences.
There are some that come in color now. I ended up getting a silver one for a change because all the ones that I have had in the past were beige. Earmolds now have options too! I think it depends on what the person wants. There are some people out there that don’t want to show them off and others that do!
It is a very personal decision. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
I prefer they look like hearing aids so people know I’m hearing impaired and not listening to headphones. I also think the basic color scheme of most aids is very boring. Would love to see some vivid colors or designs. For now I’ll stick with glitter hearing aid stickers for mine.
Thank you for sharing your preferences.