A hearing aid is a life-saving tool for individuals with hearing impairments. It not only develops their listening capacity but also improves the overall quality of their life by allowing them to take part in social conversation. Using smart directional mics in hearing aids is one of the noteworthy advancements of technology in the field of hearing aids. This blog article emphasises the key benefits of Directional microphones in hearing aids and their uses. It also includes a discussion on the function of the directional microphones and their types.
What are Directional Microphones?
A directional microphone is a special type of device used in hearing aids to capture and amplify sound coming from a specific direction and reduce the unwanted background noise. This device is designed to improve conversational interaction by enhancing speech clarity. The main aim of the hearing aid with directional microphones is to improve speech understanding in noisy environments. It prioritises the sound coming from a specific direction and cancels out the unwanted sounds in the background.
How does the directional microphone work?
The function of a Directional microphone is discussed in the following points:
- Capture sound- Directional hearing aids are designed with many microphones to capture sound from all angles.
- Compare sound- The processor of the hearing aids compares the intensity as well as the timing of the sound captured in the microphones.
- Noise reduction – It amplifies the sound coming from the front direction and reduces the sound coming from the back or sides.
- Delivery of sound – After amplification, the processed sound is delivered, which provides a seamless hearing experience.
Types of Directional Microphones
Various types of Directional microphones are used in hearing aids to offer natural sound quality in different environments. The two types of Directional microphones are :
- Fixed Directional Microphones – These types of Directional microphones in hearing aids can amplify the sound coming from the front direction. Fixed Directional Microphones are suitable for static environments, such as attending meetings or lectures.
- Adaptive Directional Microphones – Adaptive Directional Microphones involve high technology to automatically adjust the directive patterns to suit the acoustic environment. An advanced algorithm to identify the difference between noise and speech and to improve the sound quality. Directional Microphones are suitable for dynamic environments, such as in cafes and restaurants. It facilitates the users to participate in social conversations and take part in outdoor activities by minimizing the noise of the surrounding environment.
Best Directional hearing aids
Several hearing aid manufacturers adopt directional microphone technology to design their hearing devices to enhance the overall performance of the hearing machines and to gain user satisfaction. Some Directional hearing aids are recommended here:
- Phonak AutoSense OS: It can adjust directionality depending on the surrounding environment.
- Signia Augmented Xperience (AX): In this innovative hearing aid, AI has been combined with a directional microphone to offer a superior sound experience. It combines intelligent noise cancellation with focused sound pickup.
- Widex PureSound: It offers the ultimate natural sound and a High level of comfort.
The benefits of Directional microphones in hearing aids
Adaptation of Directional microphones in hearing aids has explored a new era of better and personalised listening by adjusting intelligently as well as automatically with the acoustic environment. The reasons why the hearing aids designed with directional microphones are becoming popular are discussed in the following points:
1. Noise reduction capacity
Latest technology-based hearing aids with directional microphones can automatically adjust their focus depending on the changing source of sound. They help you engage in conversations by suppressing background noise
2. Enhance speech clarity
Noise-reducing microphones in hearing aids improve the user’s capacity to hear sounds in crowded places. This innovative feature helps to focus as well as distinguish a specific sound of speech amidst a noisy environment.
3. Improve safety and awareness
People with hearing aids find difficulty hearing the sound of horns of approaching cars and caution signs on roads. To meet the need of focused listening, the hearing aids with directional microphones include ear-to-ear communication to enhance safety and awareness about the surroundings.
4. Comfortable listening experience
Directional microphones improve the overall engagement and communication by emphasising the specific source of sound. It offers a seamless and comfortable listening experience by reducing hearing fatigue.
5. Customised hearing
Directional microphones in hearing aids are adjustable according to the preferences and lifestyle of the users. A user can enhance the level of communication and enjoyment of everyday life by using this innovative feature-based hearing aid.
If you are experiencing hearing difficulty and want to get expert care, then you can contact us at Aural Care, one of the most trusted and experienced hearing solutions providing clinics in Kolkata. Here you can get high-quality hearing aids with the latest features to restore your hearing ability. Our team includes experienced radiologists and expert specialists to offer you a complete service and cordial hospitality. We involve the latest technology in our hearing machines to provide the ultimate comfort and seamless listening experience to the users. We are focused on achieving user satisfaction by fulfilling their unique needs.
Conclusion
Directional microphones in hearing aids have brought a revolution in the world of hearing aids. This innovative feature of the advanced hearing aids has improved the overall quality of life by enabling them to engage in social gatherings. The hearing aids with directional microphones can adjust automatically based on the surrounding location. Focusing on a specific sound source, it offers improved sound quality and listening comfort. It also facilitates the users to keep safe by reducing the background noise even in crowded places. It helps to improve the quality of life of individuals with hearing impairment by enabling them to communicate with their surroundings.
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