Increased hearing difficulties linked to the presence of a hearing loss can introduce cognitive and physical efforts that cause a strain on ones mental and physical state. We often feel tired after going to a concert or speaking with friends in a crowded space. Listening to speech in noise demands a heightened cognitive processing load. Therefore, our brains must work to filter out background noise, and other environmental stimulus to focus on speech. Studies have confirmed that people with a hearing loss suffer from greater hearing related fatigue than individuals with normal hearing. This can be attributed to mental effort, emotions, lack of sleep and consistently moving closer to those who are talking.
Cognitive fatigue stems from the effort required to listen closely to conversation. Furthermore, hard of hearing people not only use sounds, but also lip movement, facial expression, gestures and situational and linguistic context to fully understand conversation. Identifying, following and understanding each of these cues demands concentration that can be quite taxing on the brain. Moreover, recurring fatigue related to hearing difficulties can trigger negative emotions such as frustration, embarrassment and sadness. The combination of cognitive, physical and emotional fatigue can lead to social withdrawal and isolation.
Planning social activities allows the hard of hearing individual to control and create an ideal listening environment for themselves, which in turn would reduce communication breakdowns and listener fatigue. Quiet spaces with minimal background noise alleviate a lot of unnecessary stimulus. Finding quiet restaurants, coffee shops and other social spaces will foster an ideal listening environment. You can learn more about reducing noise in your home and how to cope in noisy restaurants by reading our other blog posts.
The use of hearing aids can have a great impact on reducing listening effort during challenging situations. They also serve to promote better social interactions and an improved quality of life. Most hearing aids on the market have advanced technologies to reduce background noise and improve speech intelligibility. This is done through the combination of directional microphones which can adjust focus within 360 degrees and noise reducing algorithms that amplify more of the speech cues while reducing the amplification of distracting sounds.
In addition, using FM systems, remote microphone accessories and assistive listening devices is another way to help mitigate hearing problems and decrease strained listening efforts. Visit your nearest Davidson Hearing Aid Centres to learn more about the benefits of hearing aids and assistive listening devices.
Reference:
Jack A. Holman, Avril Drummond, Sarah E. Hughes & Graham Naylor (2019) Hearing impairment and daily-life fatigue: a qualitative study, International Journal of Audiology, 58:7, 408-416, DOI: 10.1080/14992027.2019.1597284
As the coronavirus impacts us all, please read how Davidson Hearing Aid Centres is working to create a safe environment for our staff and clients alike. Please note that our policies and office opening may be changing day-to-day as required. Please check back on our website to find the most up to date information.
*Please note that it must be a wireless model. Many of the smaller custom products, including CIC and certain ITC are not wireless and will not function with this device.
The following Signia product families are compatible with this accessory.
The following Signia product families are compatible with this accessory.
The myHearing app works for all Andoid smartphones (Android 4.4 and newer) and iPhones (iOS version 8 and newer).
Full live remote tuning was tested and works best with the following devices:
• Google Nexus 6P (Android 7.1.1 or higher)
• Samsung Galaxy S8 – SM-G950F (Android 7.0 or higher)
• Samsung Galaxy S8 (USA) – SM-G950U (Android 7.0 or higher)
• Samsung Galaxy S7 – SM-G930F (Android 7.0 or higher)
• Samsung Galaxy S7 (USA) – SM-G930V (Android 7.0 or higher)
• Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge – SM-G935F (Android 7.0 or higher)
• Samsung Galaxy S6 – SM-920I (Android 6.0.1 or higher)
• Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge – SM-G925F (Android 7.0 or higher)
• Samsung Galaxy S5 – SM-G900F (Android 6.0.1 or higher)
The functionality of myControl App was tested and works best with the following Android devices:
• Google Nexus 6P (Android 7.1.1 or higher)
• Samsung Galaxy S8 – SM-G950F (Android 7.0 or higher)
• Samsung Galaxy S8 (USA) – SM-G950U (Android 7.0 or higher)
• Samsung Galaxy S7 – SM-G930F (Android 7.0 or higher)
• Samsung Galaxy S7 (USA) – SM-G930V (Android 7.0 or higher)
• Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge – SM-G935F (Android 7.0 or higher)
• Samsung Galaxy S6 – SM-920I (Android 6.0.1 or higher)
• Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge – SM-G925F (Android 7.0 or higher)
• Samsung Galaxy S5 – SM-G900F (Android 6.0.1 or higher)
This app can be used with any hearing aids as a guide for your first fit. The following Signia product families offer full conferencing with your professional as well as access to the full range of programming adjustments.
The following Signia product families offer a more limited range of fine tuning adjustments.
The following Signia product families are compatible with this accessory.
The following Signia product families are compatible with this accessory.
The following Widex product families are compatible with this accessory.
*Please note that the mini CIC’s are not wireless and will not function with these devices.
*Please note that it must be a wireless model. Many of the smaller custom products, including CIC and certain ITC are not wireless and will not function with this device. Not compatible with the Audeo B-Direct.
*Please note that it must be a wireless model. Many of the smaller custom products, including CIC and certain ITC are not wireless and will not function with this device. Not compatible with the Audeo B-Direct or the Audeo Q-10 products.
*Please note that the Audeo B-Direct, Virto B-Ti, or the Virto nano IIC are not compatible with this product.
*Please note that it must be a wireless model. Many of the smaller custom products, including CIC and certain ITC are not wireless and will not function with this device. Not compatible with the Audeo B-Direct or the Audeo Q-10 products.
The following ReSound product families are compatible with this accessory.
*Please note that it must be a wireless model. Many of the smaller custom products, including CIC and certain MIH and ITC are not wireless and will not function with this device.
The following ReSound product families are compatible with this accessory.
*Please note that it must be a wireless model. Many of the smaller custom products, including CIC and many ITC are not wireless and will not function with this device.
The following ReSound product families are compatible with this accessory.
*Please note that it must be a wireless model. Many of the smaller custom products, including CIC and many ITC are not wireless and will not function with this device.
RC-DEX is designed for basic and easy wireless remote control of your hearing aids.