Hearing and listening are two distinct processes. While hearing involves perceiving or registering speech sounds, listening goes beyond that by encompassing understanding and interpretation.

In order to assess an individual’s ability to perceive changes in pitch, a common hearing test requires the subject to respond when hearing sounds played at varying tones and volumes. However, this test does not evaluate how well someone comprehends speech in environments with background noise, like busy restaurants or social events. To address this limitation, a measure known as the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) can be highly valuable in determining if the primary audio is louder than any secondary sounds.

In social situations, it is often challenging for individuals to hear the primary speaker if secondary speakers are equally or even louder than the primary speaker. Therefore, it is not sufficient to merely hear sounds; we must also understand them. As we age, our ability to hear higher frequencies of speech typically diminishes. Even if we amplify the sounds, it is important to process them effectively. As hearing loss increases, it becomes crucial for our SNR to rise to ensure accurate understanding of desired sounds. It is vital that desired sounds are louder than any background noise.

While basic amplification devices often only increase volume without improving the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), modern hearing aids offer better processing capabilities, enabling a better SNR. However, if the primary speech and background noises remain louder, clarity can still be compromised. In fact, many individuals find this situation worse than not hearing at all due to the combination of loud and unclear signals.

Fortunately, advancements in hearing aid technology have greatly improved the volume and signal-to-noise ratio for users. Features like directional and beam-forming microphones, MSAT, T-coils, and Bluetooth streaming for music and telephones provide significant advantages. Additionally, FM and digital remote microphones (DRM) prove especially useful for those who require extra assistance in hearing clearly, as they allow signals transmitted from up to 40 feet away to be heard with minimal background noise.

Hearing aids have revolutionized our ability to comprehend speech in noisy environments and enhance our listening abilities. If you are contemplating hearing aid amplification, it is advisable to consult a hearing care professional who can evaluate your speech-in-noise capability both without any assistance and with hearing aids. The remarkable impact that today’s technology can have on your hearing experience is bound to astound you.