Struggling to Hear in Noise? Try Hearing Aids with Noise Reduction

Written by Shapnila Nath, Content Marketer
Reviewed by Nagarjun V, Manager – Audiology & National Trainings

Created 07 February 2025 Updated 19 March 2025

Hearing aids

The silent epidemic of hearing loss in India

Hearing loss is often invisible, yet it affects millions of people worldwide. In India, approximately 63 million individuals suffer from significant auditory impairment, making it the most common sensory deficit in the country. If you’re one of the affected, you know how difficult it can be to hear clearly in noisy environments. Whether visiting a crowded market or working in a bustling office, the constant background noise can make it hard to navigate everyday life without missing out on important sounds and conversations.

But all’s not lost; hearing aids with noise-reduction features can help you maneuver such situations. These special hearing aids are designed to filter out unwanted noise and enhance your ability to hear important sounds clearly. But how exactly do they work, and how can they improve your life? This blog sheds light on hearing aids with noise reduction technology, their benefits, and why they’re the perfect solution for today’s noisy world.

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Understanding hearing loss

Before we unpack the technology behind noise-reducing hearing aids, it’s important to understand what causes hearing loss in the first place. Many of us think of hearing loss as something that only affects older adults, but the reality is much broader. Hearing loss can affect people of all ages based on various factors.

Common causes of hearing loss:

Age-Related Hearing Loss (Presbycusis):

As we age, the structures of the ear progressively deteriorate, leading to a gradual loss of hearing. As we age, the structures of the ear progressively deteriorate, leading to a gradual loss of hearing.

Noise-Induced Hearing Loss:

Extended exposure to loud noises, such as blaring horns in traffic, industrial machinery, or listening to music through earphones, can damage the sensitive hair cells in the inner ear. In India, over 50 million workers are employed in industries with exposure to high sound levels, predisposing them to noise-induced hearing loss.

Health Conditions:

Certain health issues, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or ear infections, can also affect hearing ability.

Genetic Factors

Ignoring hearing loss or failing to take steps to address it can lead to increased social isolation, mental fatigue, and difficulty performing daily activities. Many people try to “get by” without addressing their hearing issues, but this can impact their quality of life. The good news is some of the best hearing aids with noise reduction can help improve hearing clarity and restore confidence in noisy environments.

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So, what exactly are noise-reducing hearing aids?

Noise-reducing hearing aids or aids with noise-reduction features are a breakthrough in hearing aid technology. These devices use advanced technology to reduce or eliminate unwanted background noise, allowing users to focus on conversations and important sounds. But how exactly do they achieve this?

At their core, hearing aids with background noise reduction detect and filter out surrounding sounds irrelevant to the listener. For example, in a crowded restaurant, the hearing aid will filter out the noise of clinking dishes and chatter so that you can focus on your conversation. Most noise-reducing hearing aids utilize noise reduction algorithms that minimize background noise in the sound signal during processing.

Real-life examples:

Imagine sitting in a crowded coffee shop, trying to have a conversation with a friend. Without noise-reduction technology, you would struggle to hear them over the noise of nearby conversations, coffee machines, and clattering cups. The best noise-reducing hearing aids can filter out that background noise, allowing you to focus on the voice in front of you.

This technology works wonders in various environments such as:

Busy streets and markets: Reducing the loud sounds of traffic and people so you can focus on conversations.
Offices and meeting rooms: Helping you hear your colleagues more clearly over the hum of office noise.
Public transportation: Filtering out the sounds of buses or trains to make conversations more understandable.

Top benefits of noise-reducing hearing aids

Now that we understand how noise-reducing hearing aids work, let’s take a look at some of the incredible benefits they offer:

1. Clearer conversations in noisy environments

One of the most significant advantages of noise-reducing hearing aids is the ability to hear clearly in noisy settings. Whether in a crowded shopping mall or at a family function, these hearing aids ensure that you can focus on the conversation and block out unnecessary distractions.

However, when selecting noise-reducing hearing aids, it’s essential to understand that they should not completely eliminate background noise, as this can result in an unnatural listening experience. It is crucial to choose the latest noise-reducing technology that strikes a balance between focusing on speech and maintaining awareness of your surroundings.

2. Reduced listening fatigue

Listening in noisy environments can be mentally exhausting. Our brains work harder to filter out unwanted sounds, leading to increased fatigue. Noise-reducing hearing aids reduce the strain on your brain by automatically adjusting to different sound environments, so you don’t have to constantly focus on filtering out noise. This results in less fatigue and more comfort throughout the day.

Tips to protect your hearing in noisy environments

While noise-reducing hearing aids can significantly improve your hearing experience, it’s also important to take steps to protect your hearing in noisy environments. Here are a few simple tips:

Use earplugs at loud events: Whether you're attending a festive gathering or school sports event, earplugs can help protect your hearing from the loud noises of public speaker systems.

Keep headphone volumes moderate: Listening to music or podcasts at high volumes through headphones can contribute to hearing loss over time. Keep the volume at a safe level to protect your ears.

Take breaks from noise: Occasionally, step away from loud environments to give your ears a break. This helps reduce the cumulative effects of noise exposure.

Get regular hearing check-ups: Getting your ears checked is as important as getting your eyes checked. Regular hearing tests can help catch early signs of hearing loss so you can address issues before they become more serious.

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