Why Isn’t Hearing Device Noise Management the Same as Noise Canceling Headphones?
I often hear from my patient’s that they still hear background noise with their hearing devices. Wouldn’t it be nice if they worked like noise canceling headphones?
There are a few things to keep in mind. Most noise canceling headphones were designed for use on airplanes. The noise on an airplane consists of constant engine noise. The sound rarely changes throughout the flight. If you wear your headphones to a restaurant, they aren’t as satisfactory.
Noise suppression in a changing noisy environment is more challenging. Yes, the noise management in hearing aids help a lot, but it cannot eliminate all background noise. If we eliminate all background noise, we remove some of the speech frequencies as well. Today’s hearing devices are designed to keep speech above background noise.
Restaurants seem to be getting louder, which doesn’t help anyone understand better. The best thing you can do, is to frequent restaurants that aren’t so loud. If you go to a restaurant that is unpleasantly loud, tell the manager why you won’t be back.
If you would like more information, give us a call at 727-323-2471.
Susan E. Terry, Au.D., F-AAA, F-NAP
Doctor of Audiology
Board Certified
P.S. We are here to help, if you have any questions about your hearing feel free to give us a call at 727-323-2471.