Today’s technology offers new ways to hear better

Today’s technology might come as a surprise to those who haven’t evaluated new hearing instruments lately.

Tiny, feather-light options are now available that sit deep in the ear canal, provide powerful hearing assistance, and are nearly impossible to see, even in profile.

The gains are more than cosmetic. Bluetooth technology is now available in hearing instruments, so an amplified signal can be received directly into the ear from a mobile phone. Simple transmitters are also available to direct wireless signals to hearing instruments from a television or other media devices so clearly that amplified sound can be enjoyed without disturbing others.

Perhaps more surprising is the way that wireless technology can help the hearing instruments perform better. The hearing instruments that communicate wirelessly can lower the volume in the ear that is picking up more noise, and turn up the volume in the ear that is closest to those speaking.

This type of “binaural hearing” assistance is having an impact on how well hearing instrument users are able to hear in crowded rooms, and how well they are able to perceive the direction from which the sound is coming — an important ability when trying to differentiate between multiple voices in a crowded setting.

The key to making this technology beneficial and improving the quality of life is finding an experienced professional who can properly measure hearing loss and precisely program hearing instruments to work in the setting in which they are most needed.

Bella Vista Hearing Center’s doctors, Dr. Dusty Richards, Dr. Molly Dillon and Dr. Nikki Keller, are among the nation’s most respected independent hearing care professionals. As AudigyCertified providers, they have been recognized for their commitment to the community’s hearing health, and for creating effective better-hearing solutions for all lifestyles and budgets.

Whether a person is new to hearing technology or has tried it in the past, it’s a good time to discover how cutting-edge technology can improve life.

Those who visit Bella Vista Hearing Center before March 6 for a free test and consultation and to test drive the new technologies can earn a $50 gift card to their favorite restaurant.

Bella Vista Hearing Center is located at 22 Sugar Creek Center. They can be found online at www.bvhc.

net, or by calling (479) 876-0010.