In today’s digital age, smartphones have become pivotal tools in our daily lives. From keeping us connected to providing entertainment and organising our schedules, these devices offer incredible functionality. But did you know that smartphones can also play a role in protecting your hearing? Let’s explore how these handy gadgets can contribute to maintaining healthy hearing habits.
1. Hearing Screening Apps
Similar to Victorian Hearing’s online hearing screener, many free apps are available to screen for hearing loss. While these hearing screeners are not as comprehensive as a full diagnostic hearing test conducted in our clinic, they serve as useful tools for preliminary assessment. Unlike clinical tests, screeners are less detailed and not performed in sound-treated environments or soundproof booths. As the name suggests, a screener provides a basic assessment to determine if there is a pass or refer result and to monitor significant changes over time. These apps help raise awareness of potential hearing issues and encourage you to seek professional advice if necessary.
2. Volume Limiting and Monitoring
Excessive noise exposure is a significant cause of hearing loss over time. Fortunately, smartphones now come equipped with features that allow you to set volume limits and receive warnings when you exceed safe listening levels. This proactive approach empowers you to enjoy music, videos, and calls without inadvertently harming your hearing, helping to preserve your auditory health in the long run.
A) iPhone Volume Monitoring for Safer Hearing
To monitor and limit volume on your iPhone for safer hearing, follow these steps:
- Go to Settings and select Sounds & Haptics.
- Under the Headphone Safety section, enable Reduce Loud Sounds.
- Adjust the maximum headphone volume slider to your preferred safe level.
This feature uses algorithms to analyse audio levels and will notify you if your headphone volume exceeds safe limits. Additionally, consider using the Sound Check feature under Music settings, which normalises audio playback to avoid sudden changes in volume between tracks. By utilising these settings, you can enjoy your iPhone audio responsibly while protecting your hearing health.
B) Android Volume Limits for Hearing Protection
To set volume limits on your Android phone and prevent potential hearing loss, follow these steps:
- Open the Settings app.
- Look for the Sound or Sound & Vibration option.
- Locate Volume or Volume Limit.
Here, you can set a maximum volume level by adjusting the slider to your preferred safe level. Some Android devices also offer additional features like Volume Limiter or Media Volume Limiter, which can restrict the maximum volume output to prevent sudden loud bursts. Enable these settings and adjust them according to your comfort and safety preferences.
3. Noise Measurement Tools & Sound Level Meters
Many smartphones have built-in noise measurement tools or downloadable apps that can gauge the ambient sound levels around you. These are also known as Sound Level Meters. See our recent blog about the sound level meter apps we recommend: The Best Smartphone Decibel Meter Apps to Measure Noise Levels.
This feature is particularly useful in environments where noise levels can be harmful, such as concerts, construction sites, or even at home during loud activities. By being aware of noise levels, you can take steps to protect your hearing, such as using earplugs or moving to quieter areas.
4. Hearing Aid Connectivity
For individuals with hearing loss, smartphones offer connectivity options with hearing aids and assistive listening devices. Bluetooth technology enables seamless integration, allowing users to adjust settings, stream audio directly to their hearing aids, and even control hearing aid functions through smartphone apps. This connectivity enhances convenience and improves the overall hearing experience for those with hearing aids.
A particularly nifty feature is the iPhone Live Listen function. This transforms compatible hearing aids or AirPods into remote microphones that wirelessly transmit audio to your iPhone. Designed to assist users in challenging listening environments, Live Listen amplifies specific sounds near the iPhone’s microphone. To use Live Listen with AirPods or other compatible earbuds, enable the feature in Accessibility settings and select your device from the list of available audio sources. Once connected, your earbuds will capture nearby conversations or sounds and stream them directly to your iPhone, effectively enhancing your hearing in noisy or distant situations.
This functionality provides a discreet and effective way to improve auditory clarity for users with hearing challenges. For mild hearing losses, using AirPods with active noise cancelling in combination with the Live Listen feature can be transformative. Try it next time you are in a cafe or restaurant. If you find its benefits, talk to your audiologist about hearing aids, which are much more sophisticated in function, to see how they can assist you in a discreet manner on a day-to-day basis.
5. Relaxation and Stress Reduction
Smartphones are treasure troves of information, including resources related to hearing health. Managing stress levels can positively impact hearing health, as reduced stress can lower the risk of conditions like tinnitus, which is often exacerbated by stress and anxiety.
One such helpful app is made by a hearing aid manufacturer called Resound. You can learn more about it here.
6. Auditory Processing Training Apps
Developed in Australia by the National Acoustics Laboratory (NAL) and Hearing Australia, Sound Storm is an innovative app designed to train the brain and enhance listening skills in children aged 6-12. Through fun and interactive games, kids improve their auditory processing abilities, leading to better focus and comprehension in noisy environments. With its scientifically-backed approach, Sound Storm is a valuable tool for parents looking to support their child’s hearing health.
7. Protect and Monitor Your Hearing with Smartphone Technology
Incorporating smartphone features and apps into your daily routine can significantly contribute to protecting and monitoring your hearing. Whether through screening apps, volume monitoring, or connectivity with hearing aids, these devices offer practical tools to promote healthy hearing habits. By taking advantage of these technological advancements, you can enjoy the benefits of modern communication while safeguarding your precious sense of hearing.
At Victorian Hearing, we’re committed to helping you maintain optimal hearing health. Let’s embrace technology responsibly to protect our hearing for years to come. Contact us today for personalised advice and solutions tailored to your hearing needs. With ten clinics across Melbourne, you are sure to find a friendly smile and support from the Victorian Hearing team. Call (03) 9558 8842 or book online.