When it comes to audio technology, the latest “hearables” are changing what we ever imagined possible. “Hearables” are portable devices used to listen on the go, and these technologies have advanced far beyond the over-the-ear headphones of the past. These devices, including wireless earbuds, are a way for individuals to integrate sound with their entire lifestyle. With music streaming technology connected to our smartphone devices, we can integrate music into even the most stressful settings. Combined with other forms of audio, such as podcasts, audiobooks, news programming, and the audio connected to television and movies, these devices can create a complete package of entertainment, information, and education. But, did you know that they can promote your hearing health, as well? Let’s take a look at some recent trends in the music industry that point to hearing health as a new technological frontier.
Music and Health
Whether you look at research publications or reports from individuals, music, and sound can have a profound effect on our health. More and more people are investing in non-pharmaceutical healthcare, and the range of services extends from fitness classes to meditation apps. This new terrain of healthcare includes music and sound that are created to relieve stress and to guide mental health toward wellbeing.
Doctors and individuals report that during the stressful years of the global pandemic, music was a key resource to provide relief from stress and feelings of wellbeing while connecting with others was not possible. Hearables make it possible to call up playlists for relaxation and inspiration anywhere you go, and major companies are investing in this technology, as well. The major players of Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon are each putting resources and development into these new domains of healthy living through music.
Music, Health, and Hearing Assistance
What does all of this have to do with hearing loss? For some people, hearables are devices used exclusively for audio amplification, meaning that they send sound content to their devices and play that sound directly into the ear canal. However, the latest hearing assistance technology offers not only audio amplification but also environmental amplification in the same device. For a person with Bluetooth-enabled hearing aids, these devices can provide a seamless transition from audio to the environment.
Playing music or other audio through these devices is easy with streaming connectivity, but these devices also assist with conversations when they arise. Not only is it possible to shift from a conversation to and from music, but notifications can be amplified to these devices, including phone ringers and text notifications.
Perhaps most importantly, these devices make it possible to hear sounds in the environment that alert a person to danger or an emergency. If a car is approaching quickly, a cyclist calls out to clear the way, or an emergency vehicle approaches, these devices can amplify that sound in the environment while also providing the music or other audio that we now know are so beneficial for health and wellbeing.
Connecting with Health Technology
The companies involved in providing music, audio, and healthcare are coming up with new ways to integrate with your total healthcare system. Fitness bracelets, watches, and rings track your pulse, breathing, and other biometrics. They can even detect when a person has a serious fall without requiring the individual to call for help. When these devices are integrated with hearables that provide environmental sound assistance, they can make a crucial difference in the provision of healthcare. If you have someone in your life who could benefit from integrated devices like these, the time is now to contact our offices for hearing consultation and exams.
We will begin by diagnosing hearing needs and talking with you about what environments are most difficult for hearing. With this diagnostic information in hand, we can determine if integrated hearables are the right choice for you. If you know that you are interested in this kind of device, be sure to mention your needs to our professionals during your consultation. We can make a thorough assessment to see if integrated hearables are the right choice for you. Don’t delay getting started on the path toward better health and wellness!