Hearing aids have went through multiple iterations in their 200-plus year history. The technology that is utilized in hearing aids has historically been developed by way of a committed scientist who is either affected by hearing loss or has a friend or family member affected by hearing loss. As an example, Alexander Graham Bell’s mother had profound hearing loss and his wife was deaf.

Here are 10 other little-known facts about hearing aids:

1. Through cutting-edge technology like Bluetooth, hearing aids can be synced wirelessly with MP3 players, TVs, smart-phones, and other electronic devices, allowing the user to enjoy direct signals from each of these devices.

2. Hearing aids are not one size fits all – as a matter of fact, they can and should be programmable. This indicates they have the potential to recall the most comfortable configurations for the user, often adjusting in real time to the surrounding environment.

3. Digital hearing aids – a recent advancement — have dramatically reduced the prevalence of annoying feedback, echoes, and background sounds. These were par for the course as part of older technologies, and they made listening much harder.

4. In conjunction with the amplification of sound, modern hearing aids can also improve and clarify sound.

5. When used in combination with special induction or hearing loops, hearing aid users can more clearly hear announcements in public areas, conferences, airports, arenas, and other populated locations. This technology enhances sounds and minimizes all the background noise.

6. Hearing aids were once only manufactured in beige and related colors to fit in with the color of people’s skin, so that they were not easily identifiable. Today, users are embracing their hearing aid technology, displaying assorted colors and patterns to flash their devices and attract attention in a crowd.

7. In the same vein, hearing aids are smaller than at any other time. They used to be massive, cumbersome contraptions that weighed several pounds and didn’t really do much to amplify sound. Today, hearing aids only weigh a few ounces and provide remarkably better sound quality.

8. Today, you can pick up water resistant and waterproof hearing aids to better match your lifestyle. Water resistant hearing aids can tolerate low levels of humidity and moisture, while waterproof hearing aids can withstand higher levels of moisture during showering and even swimming.

9. Instead of having to frequently replace the batteries in hearing aids, many are now made with rechargeable technology to cut down on upkeep costs.

10. Hearing aids are not only for the hard of hearing — individuals suffering from tinnitus can often obtain relief from the constant ringing with the special tinnitus therapy components contained in many hearing aids.

Now that you are aware of some interesting tidbits about hearing aids and their associated technology, you can better understand what they have to offer the young and the old alike.