From clearer conversations to smartphone connectivity, your hearing aids may be capable of more than you realize. Imagine sitting at a crowded dinner table, surrounded by friends and family. You can hear people talking, but following the conversation is another story. Voices overlap, background noise competes for your attention, and you find yourself smiling along even when you've missed a few words. Now imagine discovering that your hearing aids have a feature specifically designed to help in situations like this. That's exactly what happened to Johnson Audiology patient Kathy Young. During a particularly noisy dinner with friends, Kathy decided to try Edge Mode+, a specialized feature on her new hearing aids. After recently working with Dr. Hannah Dearth, she noticed an immediate difference. “I was stunned by the immediate difference,” Kathy shared. “I was able to contribute, because I could hear what was being said.” Her experience raises an important question: Are you getting everything you can out of your hearing technology? Modern hearing aids offer far more than simple amplification. Depending on the manufacturer, model, and technology level, they may include sophisticated features designed to improve speech clarity, adapt to changing environments, and make everyday listening more convenient. Here are several capabilities worth exploring. 1. Specialized Listening Programs and Speech Clarity in Noise One of the most valuable developments in hearing technology is the ability to adjust sound processing for different listening situations. Think about the difference between sitting in a quiet living room and having dinner in a crowded restaurant. The listening demands are completely different. Many modern hearing aids automatically adapt their settings based on the surrounding environment. Some also offer specialized listening programs that can be activated when additional support is needed. Depending on your devices, these features may help by: Adjusting microphone directionality to focus on speech. Managing competing background noise. Changing how certain frequencies are amplified. Providing additional processing for particularly difficult listening situations. Higher technology levels may offer more sophisticated processing for complex environments, including restaurants, group conversations, and situations with multiple speakers. Kathy's experience with Edge Mode+ is one example of how a specialized feature can make a meaningful difference. Of course, no hearing aid can eliminate every listening challenge. But understanding what your technology is designed to do can help you use it more effectively and set realistic expectations. What to ask your audiologist: “What features do my hearing aids have for noisy environments, and when should I use them?” 2. Smartphone Apps That Give You More Control Many hearing aids can connect to a smartphone app, allowing you to make adjustments without touching the devices themselves. Depending on your hearing aids, an app may allow you to adjust volume, switch listening programs, check battery levels, or make limited changes to how sound is processed. Some apps also offer features such as finding misplaced hearing aids or contacting your hearing care provider for assistance. For example, if you're struggling to understand someone in a restaurant, you may be able to select a different listening program directly from your phone. However, not every adjustment is appropriate for every situation. Your audiologist can help you understand which controls are useful and when to use them. What to ask your audiologist: “Is there an app for my hearing aids, and can you show me the features I should know about?” 3. Bluetooth Connectivity for Everyday Convenience Modern hearing aids can stream audio directly from compatible smartphones, televisions, and other devices, making everyday listening more convenient. Whether you're taking a phone call, watching television, or enjoying music and podcasts, streaming audio through your hearing aids may provide a clearer, more personalized listening experience. Connectivity varies by manufacturer and model, and some devices require additional accessories. What to ask your audiologist: “Can my hearing aids connect to my phone or television, and can you help me set that up?” 4. Personalized Adjustments and Follow-Up Care Even the most advanced hearing technology works best when it's appropriately fitted and adjusted for the person wearing it. Your hearing needs, listening environments, and personal preferences are unique. That's why hearing aid care shouldn't end when you leave your initial fitting appointment. Follow-up visits give your audiologist an opportunity to evaluate your experience, make adjustments, answer questions, and help you understand features you may not have explored. If you're struggling in a particular environment, be specific. Instead of simply saying, “I'm having trouble hearing,” explain where the difficulty happens. For example: “I can hear people at dinner, but I struggle when several people speak.” “Phone calls are still difficult to understand.” “I hear my family well at home, but restaurants are challenging.” “I'm not sure when I should change listening programs.” These details can help your audiologist identify potential solutions and determine whether adjustments, additional features, or accessories might be helpful. What to ask your audiologist: “Can we review my hearing aid settings and make sure I'm using the features that fit my lifestyle?” What If Your Hearing Aids Don't Have These Features? Hearing technology has changed significantly over the years, and not every device offers the same capabilities. If you've worn the same hearing aids for several years, newer models may offer improvements in sound processing, connectivity, and personalization that weren't available when you purchased your current devices. That doesn't automatically mean you need new hearing aids. But if you're consistently struggling in situations that matter to you, it may be worth exploring whether your current devices can be adjusted or whether newer technology could offer additional support. At Johnson Audiology, our Doctors of Audiology work with the industry's leading hearing aid manufacturers, allowing us to recommend technology based on your individual hearing needs, lifestyle, and preferences. Your Hearing Aids May Have More to Offer Kathy Young's experience is a reminder that sometimes a meaningful improvement comes from discovering a feature you didn't realize could help. Whether you've been wearing hearing aids for a few months or several years, taking the time to understand your technology can make a difference in your everyday listening experience. You don't have to figure it all out on your own. Our team at Johnson Audiology is here to help you understand your hearing aids, explore available features, and make the most of the technology you already have. Ready to get more out of your hearing aids? Schedule an appointment with Johnson Audiology to review your hearing technology, discuss your listening challenges, and explore your options.
Hearing Loss and Palliative Care: What You Should Know Palliative care focuses on comfort and quality of life for people living with serious illness. Hearing is an important part of that care, helping patients understand their options, communicate their needs, and stay connected with the people who matter most. When hearing loss goes unrecognized, patients may have difficulty following conversations about symptoms, treatment options, and personal wishes. These communication barriers can make it harder to participate in care decisions and may leave patients feeling isolated during a time when understanding and connection are especially important. At Johnson Audiology, we work alongside patients, families, and healthcare providers to identify hearing concerns and explore support that aligns with each patient’s needs and goals. Hearing evaluations, hearing aid support, assistive listening devices, and practical communication strategies can help make important conversations more accessible. Addressing hearing loss as part of palliative care supports patient participation, meaningful connections, and care that reflects what matters to each individual.
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