How does hearing loss affect communication and quality of life. What are the common causes of hearing loss. Can hearing aids help improve hearing and understanding. How to choose the right hearing aid for your needs.

The Impact of Hearing Loss on Daily Life

Hearing loss is a common condition that affects millions of people, particularly as they age. It can have a significant impact on various aspects of daily life, including:

• Communication difficulties
• Strained relationships
• Reduced emotional well-being
• Decreased work performance

Many individuals with hearing loss struggle to follow conversations, especially in noisy environments. This can lead to feelings of isolation and frustration. Understanding the full scope of hearing loss is crucial for addressing its challenges effectively.

Common Causes of Hearing Loss

Hearing loss can stem from various factors, including:

1. Age-related changes (presbycusis)
2. Exposure to loud noises
3. Ear infections
4. Earwax buildup
5. Certain medications
6. Head or ear injuries

In some cases, hearing loss may be temporary, such as when caused by earwax blockage or an ear infection. However, other causes like nerve damage can result in permanent hearing loss. Identifying the underlying cause is essential for determining the most appropriate treatment approach.

Age-Related Hearing Loss

Presbycusis, or age-related hearing loss, is one of the most common types. It typically occurs gradually over time and affects both ears equally. This type of hearing loss often makes it difficult to hear high-pitched sounds and understand speech, especially in noisy environments.

Recognizing the Signs of Hearing Loss

Identifying hearing loss early can lead to better outcomes. Some common signs include:

• Frequently asking people to repeat themselves
• Difficulty understanding conversations in noisy places
• Turning up the volume on TV or radio louder than others prefer
• Trouble hearing high-pitched sounds like children’s voices
• Feeling that others are mumbling

Do you find yourself experiencing any of these symptoms? It may be time to consult a hearing care professional for a comprehensive evaluation.

The Importance of Professional Hearing Evaluations

If you suspect you have hearing loss, seeking professional help is crucial. A thorough evaluation typically involves:

1. Physical examination of the ears
2. Hearing tests to determine the type and degree of hearing loss
3. Assessment of speech understanding in various conditions

Who should you consult for hearing concerns? Your journey may begin with your primary care physician or an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) doctor, also known as an otolaryngologist. They can perform initial examinations and refer you to an audiologist for more specialized testing if necessary.

The Role of Audiologists

Audiologists are hearing care professionals who specialize in identifying, measuring, and treating hearing loss. They use advanced equipment to conduct comprehensive hearing tests and can recommend appropriate treatment options, including hearing aids if needed.

Understanding Hearing Aids: A Powerful Solution

For many individuals with hearing loss, hearing aids can be life-changing devices. These small electronic instruments are worn in or behind the ears to amplify sounds, making them clearer and easier to understand. Despite their potential benefits, only about 25% of adults who could benefit from hearing aids have ever used them.

How Do Hearing Aids Work?

Hearing aids use microphones to pick up sounds from the environment. These sounds are then processed, amplified, and delivered to the ear through a speaker. Modern hearing aids are highly sophisticated, with features like:

• Digital sound processing
• Directional microphones
• Noise reduction technology
• Bluetooth connectivity

Can hearing aids restore normal hearing? While hearing aids can significantly improve hearing ability, they don’t restore hearing to normal levels. Instead, they help users make the most of their remaining hearing by amplifying sounds and making speech more intelligible.

Overcoming Stigma and Embracing Hearing Aid Technology

Some individuals hesitate to use hearing aids due to concerns about appearance or perceived stigma. However, Dr. Kelly King, an NIH hearing health expert, notes, “Hearing loss is far more obvious than a hearing aid. The hard work people do to compensate for their hearing loss, and the mistakes they sometimes make when communicating, make the loss more noticeable to those around them than a hearing aid.”

Advancements in hearing aid technology have led to smaller, more discreet devices. Some models can be hidden inside the ear canal, while others are worn over the ear with minimal visibility. The focus has shifted from concealment to enhancing functionality and user experience.

Technological Advancements in Hearing Aids

Modern hearing aids offer a range of features that improve usability and performance:

• Bluetooth connectivity for seamless integration with smartphones and other devices
• Rechargeable batteries for convenience
• Smartphone apps for easy adjustments and personalization
• Artificial intelligence for automatic sound optimization

How do these features enhance the user experience? Bluetooth connectivity, for example, allows users to stream phone calls, music, and other audio directly to their hearing aids, improving clarity and eliminating the need for additional devices.

Choosing the Right Hearing Aid

Selecting the most suitable hearing aid depends on various factors, including:

1. The type and severity of hearing loss
2. Lifestyle and daily activities
3. Personal preferences for size and style
4. Budget considerations
5. Desired features and technologies

Working closely with an audiologist is essential to find the best hearing aid for your unique needs. They can help you navigate the various options and ensure proper fitting and programming of the device.

Types of Hearing Aids

There are several styles of hearing aids available, each with its own advantages:

• Behind-the-ear (BTE)
• Receiver-in-canal (RIC)
• In-the-ear (ITE)
• In-the-canal (ITC)
• Completely-in-canal (CIC)

Which type is best for you? The answer depends on factors like the degree of hearing loss, manual dexterity, and cosmetic preferences. Your audiologist can guide you through the pros and cons of each style.

Adapting to Life with Hearing Aids

Adjusting to hearing aids takes time and patience. The brain needs to relearn how to process the newly amplified sounds, especially if you’ve had untreated hearing loss for a while. Some tips for a smooth transition include:

1. Wearing the hearing aids consistently, even in quiet environments
2. Starting with shorter wearing periods and gradually increasing
3. Practicing listening exercises recommended by your audiologist
4. Being patient and allowing time for your brain to adapt
5. Communicating with your audiologist about any issues or concerns

How long does it take to adjust to hearing aids? While experiences vary, most people acclimate within a few weeks to a couple of months. Regular follow-up appointments with your audiologist can help address any challenges and ensure optimal performance of your devices.

Beyond Hearing Aids: Additional Support and Resources

While hearing aids are a primary treatment for hearing loss, they’re not the only solution. Other supportive measures can enhance communication and quality of life:

• Assistive listening devices for specific situations (e.g., TV listening systems)
• Communication strategies and lip-reading techniques
• Support groups for individuals with hearing loss
• Counseling to address emotional aspects of hearing loss

Where can you find additional resources and support? Organizations like the Hearing Loss Association of America offer valuable information, support groups, and advocacy for individuals with hearing loss.

The Importance of Regular Hearing Check-ups

Even if you don’t currently have hearing loss, regular hearing evaluations are crucial, especially as you age. Early detection of hearing changes can lead to more effective interventions and better long-term outcomes. Most hearing care professionals recommend annual hearing check-ups for adults over 50 or those with known risk factors for hearing loss.

Protecting Your Hearing: Prevention Strategies

While some causes of hearing loss are unavoidable, many cases can be prevented or their progression slowed. Key strategies for protecting your hearing include:

1. Limiting exposure to loud noises
2. Using proper hearing protection in noisy environments
3. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle to support overall ear health
4. Avoiding ototoxic medications when possible
5. Managing chronic conditions that can affect hearing, such as diabetes

How loud is too loud? As a general rule, if you need to raise your voice to be heard over background noise, the environment is likely loud enough to potentially damage your hearing with prolonged exposure.

Occupational Hearing Protection

Certain professions carry a higher risk of noise-induced hearing loss. If you work in a noisy environment, such as construction, manufacturing, or music production, it’s crucial to use appropriate hearing protection and follow workplace safety guidelines.

The Future of Hearing Health: Research and Innovation

The field of hearing health is constantly evolving, with ongoing research and technological advancements promising even better solutions for individuals with hearing loss. Some exciting areas of development include:

• Gene therapy for certain types of hearing loss
• Improved cochlear implant technologies
• Brain-computer interfaces for hearing enhancement
• Regenerative therapies to restore damaged hair cells in the inner ear

While many of these innovations are still in the research phase, they offer hope for even more effective treatments in the future. Staying informed about these developments can help you make the best decisions for your hearing health as new options become available.

Participating in Hearing Research

Are you interested in contributing to the advancement of hearing science? Many research institutions and universities conduct studies on hearing loss and related treatments. Participating in clinical trials can not only potentially benefit your own hearing health but also contribute to broader scientific knowledge that may help others in the future.

Navigating the Healthcare System for Hearing Care

Accessing appropriate hearing care can sometimes be challenging, particularly when it comes to insurance coverage and finding the right providers. Here are some tips for navigating the healthcare system:

1. Check your insurance coverage for hearing-related services and devices
2. Explore financial assistance programs for hearing aids if needed
3. Seek referrals from trusted healthcare providers
4. Research audiologists and hearing aid dispensers in your area
5. Don’t hesitate to seek second opinions for complex cases

How can you find a reputable hearing care provider? Professional organizations like the American Academy of Audiology or the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association offer directories of certified professionals in your area.

Advocacy for Better Hearing Healthcare

Improving access to quality hearing care requires ongoing advocacy efforts. Supporting organizations that work towards better hearing health policies and increased awareness can help ensure that more people have access to the care they need. Consider getting involved in local or national advocacy initiatives to make a difference in the hearing health community.

In conclusion, understanding hearing loss and its impact is crucial for maintaining overall health and quality of life. By recognizing the signs early, seeking professional help, and exploring treatment options like hearing aids, individuals can take proactive steps to address hearing challenges. With ongoing advancements in technology and research, the future of hearing health looks promising, offering hope for even better solutions in the years to come.

Struggling to Hear? | NIH News in Health

May 2018

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Tiny Devices Can Keep You Connected

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Many people slowly lose their hearing as they get older. Not being able to hear well can make it hard to communicate. That can affect your relationships, emotional well-being, and work performance.

For those who need them, hearing aids can help. These electronic devices are worn in or behind the ears. They make sounds louder. Close to 29 million adults could benefit from hearing aids, yet only 1 in 4 of them has ever used one.

An exam of your ears, nose, and throat might detect a physical reason why you’re not hearing as well. You may want to start by talking with your primary care provider or an ear, nose, and throat doctor, also known as an ENT or otolaryngologist.

A doctor can look for ear wax, an infection, injury, or other reason for hearing loss. A hearing test can show the type and amount of hearing loss. For a hearing test, your doctor may refer you to an audiologistA hearing care professional who can identify hearing loss, measure it, and suggest treatment options..

If ear wax or an ear infection is the cause, the hearing loss may be temporary. Other causes, such as nerve damage, may lead to more permanent hearing loss. Nerve damage can be caused by loud noises, as a side effect of certain medicines, or for other reasons. Hearing aids may help in these cases.

Some people don’t want to try hearing aids because of how they think it might look to others. “Hearing loss is far more obvious than a hearing aid,” says Dr. Kelly King, an NIH hearing health expert. “The hard work people do to compensate for their hearing loss, and the mistakes they sometimes make when communicating, make the loss more noticeable to those around them than a hearing aid.”

And now, advances in technology are making hearing aids less visible. “One of the biggest changes that has taken place in the last 15 years is a major reduction in the size of these devices,” King says. Some can be hidden inside the ear canal. Others are worn over the ear.

Choosing the best device for you will depend on factors like cost, features, and your amount of hearing loss. Today’s hearing aids offer different features. For example, some can connect to your mobile phone, TV, and other devices using Bluetooth technology. That means you can talk on your phone and stream music directly to the speakers within the hearing aids without wires.

It’s important to understand that hearing aids can’t restore your hearing the way that reading glasses correct vision. Instead, a hearing aid can help you make the most of your remaining hearing by making sounds louder. If it’s been a while since you’ve heard the soft sounds of speech, your brain may need time to re-learn and translate those sounds for you.

Do you think you may need a hearing test? Take the quiz in the Wise Choices box to help you decide.

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Editor: Harrison Wein, Ph.D.
Managing Editor: Tianna Hicklin, Ph.D.
Illustrator: Alan Defibaugh

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Do I have hearing loss?

Contributed by Joy Victory, managing editor, Healthy Hearing
Last updated July 13, 20212021-07-13T00:00:00-05:00

What’s the number one complaint hearing care professionals hear from their new patients with hearing loss? Ask them and they’ll likely say it’s, “I can hear, but I can’t understand. ” If this is what you’re experiencing, you may have hearing loss.

Hearing loss involves not only the ears, but also the brain where sound is translated into meaningful words. Symptoms vary between people. Hearing loss comes in all degrees from mild to profound.

But most people, especially older adults, have mild-to-moderate hearing loss, especially the type that makes it harder to hear high-pitched sounds.

In this case, the chief symptom may be difficulty with word understanding, especially in noisy situations. 

Hearing vs. understanding

When your hearing is tested, the results are plotted on an audiogram. People with high-frequency hearing loss are said to have a “sloping” hearing loss. If you have a sloping hearing loss, it means you are able to hear low-pitched sounds (such as thunder), sometimes even as clearly as someone with normal hearing. But, high-pitched sounds (such as children’s voices) need to be much louder before you can hear them.

While not always the case, high-frequency hearing loss is often the cause of feeling like you can hear but can’t understand.

Did you say parrot or ferret? 

In speech, the vowel sounds (A, E, I, O and U) are low in pitch while consonant sounds like S, F, Th, Sh, V, K, P and others are high in pitch. Being able to hear vowel sounds is helpful and will alert you that speech is present, but it’s the consonant sounds that give speech meaning and help you distinguish one word from another. Without being able to hear subtle differences between consonants, words like “cat” and “hat,” “parrot” and “ferret” and “show” and “throw” can be hard to differentiate. This is why so many people with age-related hearing loss or excessive noise exposure have difficulty understanding even when they know sound is present.

Trouble hearing with background noise

If you feel like you can hear but not

understand speech, it may be an early

sign of hearing loss.

If you have a high-frequency hearing loss, you may notice problems understanding speech even in a relatively quiet environment, but when background noise is present or several people are talking at once, it can become nearly impossible to follow a conversation. People with hearing loss may begin to avoid lively social situations or public places they once enjoyed because interacting with others is too difficult.

Signs of high-frequency hearing loss

When you have a high frequency hearing loss, you may:

• struggle to follow conversations (hear but can’t understand)
• sturggle to hear people on the phone
• pretend to hear when people speak to you
• nod and smile when you don’t know what’s being said
• find it hard to watch TV shows or movies even when you turn the volume up.
• mishear female and young children’s voices 
• not enjoy music because it sounds distorted, especially at higher volumes.
• feel like everyone is mumbling more often
• feel exhausted from listening, known as listening fatigue

Family members, friends and work colleagues can get frustrated and feel you aren’t listening to them when they speak to you. Your spouse may accuse you of having “selective hearing.” You may accuse others of mumbling. Sometimes, you will answer questions inappropriately and miss the punch lines of jokes. Other times, you may resort to smiling and nodding when someone speaks to give the impression you are listening when in fact, you do not understand what was just said (see this woman’s story for how that plays out in real life). Untreated hearing loss can take a toll on relationships, careers and your daily life. 

Pass a hearing test but still feel like you can’t hear?

If you’ve taken a hearing test and were told your hearing is fine, don’t give up trying to get answers just yet. Your ears may be fine—but your auditory nerve or your brain may have problems processing sounds or other sensory input. For example:

Hidden hearing loss

Hidden hearing loss is defined as hearing loss that’s not detectable on standard hearing tests, which zero in on problems within the ear. Hidden hearing loss is not a problem with the ears—instead, it originates in the brain.

Auditory processing disorders (APD)

For some people, hearing but not understanding may signal an auditory processing disorder (APD). This means the nervous system—not the ears—struggles to make sense of the sounds coming in from the ears. APD is often diagnosed in children, but it also can be diagnosed in adults. 

Attention deficit disorder (ADD)

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) also can make it hard to understand—in the sense that the brain can’t quite keep up with all incoming sensory inputs, including and sometimes especially noise. If you have undiagnosed and untreated ADD, you may pass a hearing test just fine, yet feel like you can’t understand people, or struggle to follow conversations.

In either case, a hearing aid may help a person with APD or ADD focus on the conversation they want to hear most, allowing them to amplify the voice of their preferred speaker (such as a professor). It’s worth noting that some kids or adults may have ADD or autism and an auditory processing disorder.

Don’t accept difficult hearing

If your hearing test reveals hearing loss, hearing aids can amplify the high pitches you’ve been missing without amplifying low-pitched sounds. Once you begin wearing hearing aids, you will notice improvement with understanding speech and you may even notice you’re hearing sounds that have long been forgotten. For instance, some new hearing aid wearers are pleasantly surprised to hear the soft chirping of songbirds for the first time in years. You will once again be able to hear that beeping sound your microwave makes, your car’s turn signal and your phone ringing.

If you can hear, but can’t understand, you’re not alone. This is what hearing care professionals hear almost every day from their patients, and they are highly skilled at getting to the root of the problem, listening to your concerns and finding a solution that meets your needs. Don’t give up on enjoying conversations at work, home and play. Find a hearing center near you with our directory, and make the call today.

What to do if the interlocutor cannot be heard on the phone / GADGET Service Center Ufa

The problem when the interlocutor is hard to hear is quite common among users of devices of any brand. It is faced by both iPhone owners and Xiaomi and Samsung.

What to do if you can’t hear the person on the phone:

• First, try calling another subscriber, as the reason may not be your device.
• Check the volume level. During a call, hold the top button on the side – the volume indicator and its current status should be displayed on the screen.
• Inspect the earpiece for dirt. It happens that the mesh, which performs a protective function, is simply clogged with dust and dirt. In this case, repair is not required, it will be enough to clean it.
• Restart your phone. Perhaps you can hardly hear the interlocutor due to a failure in the operating system.

If all else fails, then the cause is probably a malfunction of the hearing speaker. It usually fails due to water, dirt and dust ingress, as well as when the device falls.

Free diagnostics

Of course, it is extremely difficult to independently determine the exact reason why the interlocutor is hard to hear. Therefore, if you have little experience, then it is better to entrust this task to a professional.

Smartphones are designed with 2 loudspeakers:

• polyphonic, which plays the ringtone, is responsible for the speakerphone during a phone call;
• conversational, designed to allow the user to hear the caller’s voice.

By the way, if the sound is completely lost on the iPhone, then the audio codec may have failed. This is a sound chip responsible for playing any sounds on a smartphone. In this case, even the connected headphones will be “silent”.

In the gadgetufa workshop we will be happy to carry out a free diagnosis of your gadget. We will find out what caused the malfunction and provide the best ways to fix it.

Why us?

Our service has advantages that set us apart from all competitors. These include:

• Affordable repair cost.
• Only original and high-quality components that are always in stock.
• Modern equipment and experienced craftsmen.
• Complete data privacy.
• Daily operation of the service. We work for you without days off and breaks.

The hearing speaker is one of the most important elements of the phone. Therefore, in the event of a malfunction, it is better to immediately contact a specialized workshop. At the same time, the part is quite fragile and not sufficiently protected from dust and moisture.

If you do not hear ringing and voice when dialing, or the sound is distorted, too quiet, this is a direct sign that the hearing speaker needs to be replaced.

You can find out the cost of repairs for your device model on the website pages or by calling +7 (905) 001-00-11.

Your smartphone has failed to fall, won’t turn on, dived into the water or is silent — take advantage of the convenient and high-quality services of the gadgetufa service. We carry out a full range of work from replacing speakers to complex component repairs on the motherboard.

We are waiting for you at Prospekt Oktyabrya 44.

I can’t hear the interlocutor on the phone: 5 main reasons [SOLVED]

both parties, especially if important information needs to be communicated.

When faced with a similar problem, many people write off their gadget and think about buying a new one, but this is a mistaken action. Basically, when the interlocutor is not heard on the phone, it is not difficult to fix the breakdown, it all depends on the source of the malfunction. About what methods to use and will be discussed in this article.

Volume at zero

117

Dirty or broken speaker cellular network is overloaded

45

Software glitches, viruses, miners

16

Contents

1. Self Diagnosis
2. First things to try
3. Cover the proximity sensor with your finger
4. Clean the speaker
5. Volume up
6. Network overloaded
7. Ask to call back
8. Technical problems
9. Factory reset
10. Serious reasons
11. Q&A
12. Sound too quiet
13. A strange noise appeared: interference, crackling
14. Smartphone writes “do not close speaker»
15. Is there ultrasonic cleaning of meshes and diaphragms?
16. Conclusion
17. Video

Self-diagnosis

For self-diagnosis, take the test. The virtual assistant will determine the malfunction and tell you what to do. The problem may be in inadvertently turning off the microphone with the ear. In modern smartphones, especially in the initial price category, the proximity sensor may sometimes not work or fail, causing a lot of inconvenience.

When talking, just try to put your hand on the proximity sensor (close the front camera unit entirely) and tap on the microphone icon.

Clean speaker

Last resort, but sometimes works. Take a cotton swab (or brush) moistened with alcohol and gently wipe the mesh of the smartphone’s speaker. Thus, the accumulated dust and dirt will fall out of the sound slots.

Detailed instructions on how to clean the speaker:

Turn up the volume

The easiest method is to try to increase the sound level using the hardware keys located on the gadget’s case. Only then move on to other options.

Network overloaded

Often this happens due to network outages, such as bad weather or other radio interference. Call tech. support from your carrier to ask why there is such poor cellular coverage in your location. If the consultant says that this problem does not come from them, then try removing the SIM card, and then insert it back and repeat the call.

Ask to call back

If you still can’t hear the caller, there is another way to restore the sound – it is necessary that your interlocutor calls himself, and you pick up the phone. This can work if the reason lies not in mechanical, but in software damage.

Sometimes, you can simply not see and turn off the microphone when making a call. This is especially true for modern Android and iOS devices. We turn the microphone back on and in 90% of cases this will fix the situation. If this does not help, then you need to reboot the device and make a second call.

Technical faults

All of the above tips do not always help, as the reason for the lack of volume may be mechanical in nature. Let’s list the damage in which the microphone stops working:

• There is a magnetic coil inside the speaker, the turns of which are connected to the contacts on the board. One of these turns may break, resulting in failure of the part.
• There are phone models where the speaker is connected to the board via a cable. Such a wire can simply break or come off the connector.
• It is possible to overwrite a track on the microcircuit that is responsible for supplying power to the microphone and speaker.
• A special microcircuit is provided in the design of the device for converting and transmitting sounds; it can also burn out or be mechanically damaged after a strong blow.
• The volume button is also not eternal and often breaks when the sound is turned off.

It is possible to repair such elements yourself, but only if you have the appropriate knowledge. In other situations, it is better to take mobile phones to a service center to restore the microphone’s performance.

Reset to factory settings

If you did the manipulations that were noted earlier, but you still can’t hear the interlocutor on the phone, you can return the cellular to the factory settings, since the software can sometimes fail. This procedure is performed using the “Settings” menu in the “Backup and Reset” tab. Depending on the modification and brand of the telephone, this item may be called differently. After going to the “Backup and reset” item, click “Reset settings to factory settings”.

1st way:

2nd way:

We would like to warn you, if your smartphone contains any significant information, photos, audio recordings or video material, first transfer everything you need to an external drive. Thus, after resetting the settings, you can easily return all content to the device and continue to use it.

The bad news is that if that doesn’t help, you’ll need to flash your Android device, which is described below.

Important! Do not forget your accounts (Google, Viber, Skype, mail, etc.), they will also be deleted after the reset, so remember and write down all logins and passwords from them in advance.

Serious reasons

An even more radical method of restoring the audibility of the speakers is flashing the gadget, since problems can start due to OS software failure, viruses, malicious actions of advertising rootkits. Instructions for flashing Android devices. True, it is important to understand the intricacies of computer intricacies at least at an average level.

Sometimes other than replacing the sound element, nothing will help. You will have to buy a hearing speaker and replace it yourself or in a service center. Bring the gadget and say: “When talking, they can hear me perfectly, but I can’t.” Then the master will know where to start diagnosing.

To assess the complexity of the problem, watch the video for replacing the part (you may have to work with a multimeter and soldering iron):

Q&A

The sound is too quiet0153

There may be two problems:

1. This level is set from the factory, you will have to activate the engineering menu, and manually increase the volume level programmatically.
2. The device has been poured or dropped into a liquid (water, beer, soup, glue, a child drooled, whatever).

There was a strange noise: interference, crackling

If the earpiece suddenly starts wheezing, phoning (an echo is heard), creaking, hissing, buzzing and others, most likely the module has become unusable. Perhaps from old age or fluid ingress.

The smartphone writes “do not cover the speaker”

The function “Prevention of accidental clicks” or “Pocket” on Xiaomi is probably activated.