Over 50 million Americans suffer from some degree of hearing loss, but fewer than 15 percent will have a hearing test and be fitted with a hearing aid - mostly because of cost and the stigma of wearing a hearing aid. That statistic may be changing in the near future though. Hearing aids are no longer a simple sound amplifier. They're becoming smaller and harder for others to detect and they're also becoming much more versatile. The new wave of hearing aids include features such as directional microphones, digital noise suppression, and Bluetooth connectivity. Bluetooth connectivity in particular allows them to sync with your smartphone or even smart devices you may have at home, which means you can stream music, TV programs and movies directly from your smartphone, tablet, computer or TV to your hearing aid. Oh, and it may also allow you to contact your hearing aid supplier remotely, which can help avoid the need for an office visit.Can't afford hearing aids? New lower-cost models are showing up all the time.

And for mild hearing problems don't overlook the high end hearing amplifiers - some of them have features that used to only be found in hearing aids. If you still hate the idea of hearing aids, get ready for the new generation of wireless earbuds or "hearables". They include features such as sophisticated ambient noise control and isolation plus they also have the ability to sync with smart devices and stream calls, music, news, and more. In fact, these new "smarter" earbuds can deliver a whole range of features, from fitness tracking to voice assistant programs to language translators. Hearing aids are still the answer if you have more serious hearing problems though, and with costs going down and features being added almost daily, the new wave of hearing aids are poised to enter the next decade as not just an essential tool but a desired item to own for anyone who is hearing impaired.