Written by Stephanie Trinidad for the Ability Toolbox, October 2024
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Hearing loss is the third most prevalent chronic physical condition in the US, trailing behind arthritis and heart disease.
Approximately 1 in 15 Americans live with some degree of hearing impairment, caused by factors such as genetics, smoking, aging, or exposure to loud sounds. This condition significantly impacts quality of life, making it harder to engage in conversations, understand information, and stay connected with others. Over time, untreated hearing loss can lead to social isolation, anxiety, and even cognitive decline, including an increased risk of dementia.
As hearing loss can have far-reaching effects on mental and physical health, it is crucial to address the condition as soon as possible. Fortunately, modern technology has introduced several tools and apps that assist people in adjusting to hearing loss, helping them maintain their quality of life. Below, we explore four essential assistive apps and tools that can help individuals navigate hearing loss and continue living fulfilling lives.
Smartphone-based hearing tests
The first step to managing hearing loss is obtaining a proper diagnosis, but traditional hearing tests can be costly and inaccessible for some individuals. This has given rise to affordable alternatives, such as smartphone-based hearing tests. An example of this is the smartphone-based tympanometry system developed by researchers at the University of Washington. Tympanometry is a test of middle ear function, which detects hearing disorders by measuring ear pressure and the tympanic membrane’s response to sound.
The system includes a compact rubber-tipped probe connected to a smartphone that collects data on acoustic reflections and ear pressure. The information is then transmitted via Bluetooth to create a tympanogram, a visual graph used to diagnose hearing conditions. Remarkably, this entire system costs only around $28 to assemble, making it a cost-effective alternative for those seeking a preliminary assessment of their hearing health.
Captioning apps
Communication is one of the most challenging aspects for individuals with hearing loss. Conversations in noisy environments or over the phone can be difficult to follow, leading to feelings of isolation. Captioning apps offer a practical solution by providing real-time text captions for spoken conversations. These apps are especially useful in social gatherings or public settings, allowing everyone to participate more fully.
InnoCaption takes live captioning a step further, offering real-time captions for phone calls. Available for iOS and Android devices, InnoCaption uses a combination of live stenographers and automated speech recognition technology to provide accurate captions. This service is available at no cost to users in the United States who need captions to understand phone conversations.
Hearing glasses
Research published in JAMA Neurology has shown that using hearing devices can help prevent long-term cognitive decline in individuals with hearing loss. For those with mild to moderate hearing loss, one tool to consider is Nuance’s hearing glasses. These specialized glasses combine vision correction with hearing assistance for an all-in-one device that amplifies sounds while maintaining a discreet appearance.
Nuance’s hearing glasses feature directional microphones, noise reduction, and wireless connectivity, allowing users to engage in conversations and enjoy everyday activities with ease. The integration of hearing assistance into a familiar accessory like glasses reduces the stigma often associated with traditional hearing aids.
Assistive earbuds
Traditional hearing aids are not always the preferred choice for individuals with hearing loss, whether due to cost, comfort, or social stigma. The good news is that advances in earbud technology have created new options to provide hearing assistance in a more discreet and affordable format. In 2022, research published in iScience revealed that Apple’s AirPods Pro meet most of the benchmarks set by the Consumer Technology Association for personal sound amplification products, with a score of 80%.
Apple’s AirPods Pro 2, released shortly after, further improved upon these features by introducing a “clinical grade” hearing aid function. This new feature is designed for users with mild to moderate hearing loss and provides enhanced sound amplification that rivals traditional hearing aids.
Adjusting to hearing loss can be a daunting experience, but with the right tools and support, people can continue to live active, connected lives.