51 Hearing Aids and STS

Introduction

The transformative impact of hearing aid innovations on individuals with hearing impairments is significantly influenced by the relationship between science and technology.

Connection to STS

In this chapter, we will explore how the dynamic relationship between science and technology has significantly influenced the transformative impact of hearing aid innovations. The relationship between science and technology has given rise to hearing aids with advanced connectivity features. Bluetooth connectivity, smartphone apps, and remote programming have revolutionized the user experience. Scientific research in audiology and related fields has been instrumental in unraveling the mysteries of hearing. They have evolved so much over the past decade and will continue to improve with the more innovative technology features that we learn.

Background

Hearing impairment is a prevalent and life-altering condition affecting millions worldwide. Hearing aids are sophisticated devices for varied hearing loss that amplify sounds to enhance clarity and audibility. Comprising components like a microphone, amplifier, receiver, and battery, they come in diverse styles to suit individual preferences and degrees of impairment. The development of hearing aids has had a huge impact on the quality of life for those with hearing impairments. Before delving into everything about hearing aids, it is essential to understand the nature and challenges of hearing impairments. The science of audiology plays a critical role in characterizing the various types and causes of hearing loss. It provides a foundation upon which technological advancements can be built to address these challenges effectively.

History

The history of hearing aids dates back to the late 17th century when the first hearing aid was invented by ear trumpet maker Frederick Rein in the Netherlands (Pichora-Fuller & Singh, 2006). By the late 18th century, the use of the ear trumpet was becoming increasingly common. Then the first electronic hearing aids were invented in 1898 by Miller Reese Hutchinson. However, it was not until the 20th century that significant advancements in science and technology revolutionized the field of hearing aid innovations. The introduction of wireless technology in 2004 led to the development of innovative features such as streaming sound between hearing aids and consumer electronics products, connectivity between hearing aids and smartphones, and data sharing between left and right-worn hearing aids (Edwards, 2020). These advancements have greatly enhanced the functionality and usability of hearing aids, allowing individuals with hearing impairments to have greater control over their hearing experience.

women who made a difference for the hearing impaired

Juliette Gordon Low: Founded the Girl Scouts in 1912, fostering an inclusive community for girls from diverse backgrounds (Contreras, 2023). Her efforts promoted acceptance and understanding of differences, indirectly contributing to a supportive environment for individuals using hearing aids. The Girl Scouts’ values of empathy and inclusivity continue to shape girls’ leadership skills and confidence.

                                                                                 Nellie Zabel Willhite: First deaf woman to earn a pilot’s license in 1927 (Contreras, 2023). Willhite indirectly challenged stereotypes about hearing loss and highlighted the importance of assistive technologies in enabling individuals to pursue their passions.                                                                                                Marion Downs: Dr. Marion Downs pioneered early identification of hearing loss in infants, establishing the first national newborn hearing screening program in 1963. Her advocacy for early use of hearing aids in newborns to develop speech and language skills shaped pediatric audiology, leading to widespread newborn screenings today (Mile High Hearing, 2017).

                                                                                                                                                                                          Samantha Baines: A comedian, actress, and writer, champions hearing aid representation in her writing. Her book ‘Harriet Versus the Galaxy’, published in 2020, features a young girl whose hearing aids help her in understanding aliens, contributing to the normalization of hearing aids in children’s literature (Deaf Unity, 2021).

Technology

“According to recent data from the Hearing Industry Association  (HIA), more than 3.3 million hearing aids are sold each year in the United States”(74).Technology, particularly in the last few decades, has accelerated the evolution of hearing aids. The advent of digital signal processing, miniaturization of components, and the integration of artificial intelligence have transformed these devices into highly sophisticated tools. Looking ahead, the future of hearing aid technology holds promising possibilities. The integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning can further enhance the performance and adaptability of hearing aids to individual listening environments. One of the most profound impacts of the science-technology partnership is the ability to personalize hearing aids. Audiological research provides insights into the diverse nature of hearing impairments, and technology allows for the customization of hearing aids to cater to each individual’s unique needs.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the transformative impact of hearing aid innovations on individuals with hearing impairments is significantly influenced by the relationship between science and technology. The advancements in science and technology have not only improved the auditory abilities of individuals with hearing impairments but also enhanced their overall quality of life. The interdisciplinary collaboration between scientists, engineers, audiologists, and healthcare professionals is crucial in driving the development and implementation of innovative hearing aid technologies. Continued research and development in this field, along with considerations for affordability and accessibility, will further enhance the transformative impact of hearing aid innovations in the future. However, while all these advancements are so important to the hearing aid candidates, it is still hard to determine who will wear the hearing aids. According to the textbook “Essentials of Modern Hearing Aids: Selection, Fitting, and Verification” written by Ruth Bentler, H. Gustav Mueller, and Todd A. Ricketts there is a significant effect on the ages of these candidates because there is a perception on society about it only being okay for older people to wear hearing aids compared to the younger generations.  This chapter has explored how science and technology inform the development of technologically advanced hearing aids that are more effective, accessible, and personalized. As the relationship between science and technology in this field continues to flourish, so too will the potential for improving the lives of those with hearing impairments.

References:

Bentler, R., Mueller, H. G., & Ricketts, T. A. (2017). Essentials of modern hearing aids : Selection, fitting, and verification. Plural Publishing, Incorporated.

Chloe K. Timeline: the evolution of hearing aids. (2020, January 16) https://www.medicaldevice-network.com/features/digital-hearing-aid-history/?cf-view

Contreras, D. (2023, April 12). Four Deaf and Hard of Hearing Women Who Made History. InnoCaption. https://www.innocaption.com/recentnews/women-in-history

Deaf Unity. (2021, March 11). 11 Inspirational Deaf Women and Their Stories https://deafunity.org/article_interview/11-inspirational-deaf-women/

Edwards B. The Future of Hearing Aid Technology. Trends in Amplification. 2007;11(1):31-45. doi:10.1177/1084713806298004

Ham, H., Bunn, P., Meyer, C., Khan, A., & Hickson, L. (2014). Exploring the relationship between technology use, hearing help-seeking, and hearing aid outcomes in older adults. International Journal of Audiology, 53(sup1), S38-S42. https://doi.org/10.3109/14992027.2013.847287

History of hearing aids. (2023, October 7). In Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_hearing_aids

Kramer, Steven., & Brown, D. K. (2021). Audiology : Science to Practice. (4th ed.). Plural Publishing, Incorporated.

Mile High Hearing. (2017, September 27). Women’s History Month – Women In Audiology. https://milehighhearing.com/women-s-history-month-women-in-audiology/

Images Cited:

“Ear Trumpet “ by Frederick Dekkers is in the Public Domain

AI Acknowledgement

I used scite.ai to help me find information about the history of hearing aids that fits the goals of this textbook chapter. It gave me sources from the past that gave important information about hearing aids and how they have evolved throughout the years. I then used the other sources I had gathered to apply other elements to the chapter.

scite.ai.  (2023). scite.ai (beta version) [Large Language Model].  https://scite.ai/assistant