The Evolution of Technology Over 20 Years

The Evolution of Technology

Over 20 Years

Like many other technologies, research and development of hearing aid technology is progressing rapidly. Indeed, increasingly miniaturized and sophisticated electronic circuits are helping to improve the lives of hearing-impaired people. Let’s take a look back at the major breakthroughs of the last two decades.

Michelle Fournier

Audioprosthetist practising in Lévis

Karl Drouin

Audioprosthetist practising in Beauce To start, the first fully digital hearing aids appeared on the market in 1996. They revolutionized the world of hearing health by allowing more precise adjustments and improving sound quality.

Tube Dome

Hearing aid

In 2004, the open-fit hearing aid was introduced. The electronic circuit, located behind the ear, amplifies and transmits the sound into the ear canal via a very thin tube. The tube is held in place by a dome. This type of hearing aid was designed for people with hearing loss that affects only high-pitched sounds, so it allows low-pitched sounds the user hears normally to pass through naturally. It reduces the “plugged” feeling (occlusion) caused by an earmold that is too tight for this type of hearing loss. Audioprosthetists now had a discreet, comfortable, and suitable solution to offer to patients affected by occupational deafness and other conditions. That was a first!

An assessment by an audioprosthetist is required to determine which hearing aid suits the patient’s needs.

Receiver

Dome

Receiver Custom earmold

Hearing aids

Then, in 2006, a brand new model of hearing aid was launched on the market: a hearing aid with a receiver (speaker) that goes inside the ear. This model is still the most popular, as it can be recommended for mild to severe hearing loss, but is very discreet. The receiver can be held in the ear canal by a dome or custom earmold. Like other models, this one can be provided with rechargeable batteries, making it easier and simpler for the user.

During the 2000s, we saw the arrival of various remote con-

trols that allowed the user to adjust their hearing aids and revolutionized the hearing

solution industry. These remote controls have taken different forms, from a simple remote to a watch with settings buttons. We even attended the launch of a remote control resembling a remote starter! After that, many other features were added to remotes, turning them into interfaces to allow wireless compatibility between the hearing aids and a cell phone. Other Bluetooth® accessories have also been developed, such as systems for televisions or external microphones that allow sound to be transmitted to the hearing aids via the interface. There are now mobile apps that allow users to access a plethora of features via their smartphone or smartwatch.

What will the hearing aids of the future look like, and what new features will they bring? One thing is certain: technological advances will continue to surprise us!

An assessment by an audioprosthetist is required to determine which hearing aid suits the patient’s needs.