Video calls are useful in so many different scenarios right now, whether you are chatting with your grandchildren who are out of state or having a work meeting from the comfort of your home office.
If you have hearing loss, you may have more trouble following video conversations. The good news is that using hearing aids can make it easier!
Why Hearing Aids Improve Your Video Call Experience
Hearing aids make it easier to understand speech in any environment, so it makes sense that they would improve your ability to hear on video calls as well. They can do this in several ways.
Directional microphones, common in many modern hearing aids, can help you better locate where sound comes from. They also make it easier to focus on sounds in front of you (such as on your computer or phone) and minimize distracting background noise.
Additionally, a good portion of hearing aids come with Bluetooth® capabilities that allow you to sync them up with your other devices, meaning that you can stream audio from video calls directly into your hearing aids. This provides clearer, better sound quality customized to meet your individual hearing needs. It also makes it easier to take a call from anywhere, whether at home or enjoying the fresh air at R.L. Cook Park.
Other Ways to Improve Video Call Audio When You Have Hearing Loss
While hearing aids can make video calls easier, you may still have occasional struggles following along. In those cases, consider the following tips to enhance your listening experience even more:
- Have cameras on. Make sure people have their cameras on when they are talking so that you can see their lips as they speak. This makes it easier to follow along as opposed to audio-only.
- Take turns speaking. If you are on a video call with multiple people, it’s helpful for everyone to take turns speaking to avoid crosstalk. Ask that people put themselves on mute when they aren’t speaking.
- Record the call. Recording a video meeting and then making it available to participants afterward allows you and any others with hearing loss to review the meeting later for clarification and to ensure nothing was missed during the original call.
Considering Hearing Aids?
In 2019, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that 7.1% of adults aged 45 and older used a hearing aid. That number is likely only a fraction of adults who would actually benefit. Hearing loss is a gradual and progressive condition, and the earlier it’s diagnosed and treated, the better it is.
If you or your loved ones have noticed changes in your hearing, even if they seem minor, reach out to an audiologist and schedule an appointment for a hearing test. If hearing loss is discovered, they will work with you to find hearing aids that meet your needs and fit your lifestyle.
To learn more or to schedule an appointment, contact Advanced Audiology & Hearing Aids today.
