Spatial Hearing Loss

I Bluetooth to my phone, IPad and TV for clear sound with my Marvel Phonak hearing aids. I answer my phone by touching my ear and have hands free, clear conversation. I would wear my hearing aids 24/7 if I could. It’s like you are not hearing impaired.

Yes, this is amazing technology. Actually, the concept has been around for decades. Bringing sound directly to the ear via a quality hearing instrument is what hearing loops, FM systems and Infrared systems do when used with the hearing aid's telecoil. These technologies eliminate the ambient background noise that makes hearing difficult even with good hearing instruments. Those systems, when installed in public venues, worship centers, etc. are miraculous. Watching the 'ahha moment' when someone experiences this for the first time is worth its weight in gold!

It's a shame that more people who have hearing loss and who use hearing aids don't get on the bandwagon to educate themselves and advocate for these technologies to be available to them. The Americans with Disabilities Act considers 'communication access' a right, but ONLY when those who need it request it. Sadly, when a request is made the venue often doesn't have a clue what you want or need, and can't provide it. Therefore, education and a willingness to do outreach and advocacy is the key to making these technologies standard.

Thank the Hearing Loss Assn, of America (HLAA) for all the work they do to educate hard of hearing people on their rights, responsibilities and on technology that works. HLAA has been behind the education and advocacy for hard of hearing people since the early 1980s. Worth joining for sure. http://www.hearingloss.org Lots of good information there.