Ever wish you could get the inside scoop on what hearing aids are actually like? How does a hearing aid feel when you have one on, what is the sound like, and what does it feel like in your ears are all questions you may want to ask someone who already has hearing aids? Here’s a description of what hearing aids are like, but if you truly want to understand, come in for a demo.
1. Sometimes You Get Feedback
No, not the type you may get on a work evaluation. “Feedback “ is a whistling noise that a speaker makes when its microphone picks up the sound produced by the speaker. It causes a sound loop that even advanced speakers like those in hearing aids don’t know how to handle.
They may squeal like a speaker in the school auditorium right before the principal speaks.
While this might sound mortifying, and it is uncomfortable, it is rare when a hearing aid is correctly tuned. You might need to re-fit or replace the earmolds if this continues happening.
Some advanced hearing aids have a feedback cancellation system that recognizes feedback and stops it in its tracks.
2. Conversations Are Easier to Follow in a Loud Setting
Going to a restaurant with the family can seem like eating dinner alone if you have untreated hearing loss. Conversations are almost impossible to follow. You might wind up sitting there, nodding and smiling most of the night.
But hearing aids nowadays have some really advanced technology that can drown out background noise. They bring the voices of your children and the servers into crystal clarity.
3. Sometimes it Gets a Bit Sticky
Your body has a way of letting you know when something doesn’t belong. Your body will make saliva if you eat something too spicy. If you get something in your eye, you generate tears to flush your eye. Your ears have their own way of eliminating a nuisance.
Earwax production.
So it’s not surprising that those who wear hearing aids frequently get to deal with the buildup of earwax. Luckily, it’s only wax and it’s not a problem to clean the hearing aids. (We can help you learn how.)
Once you’re finished the cleaning you’re quickly back to good hearing.
4. Your Brain Will Also Get The Benefit
This one might surprise you. If someone starts to develop hearing loss it will slowly affect cognitive function as it progresses.
One of the first things to go is the ability to understand the spoken language. Problem solving, learning new things, and memory will then become a big challenge.
Getting hearing aids as soon as possible helps slow this brain atrophy. They re-train your brain. Studies show that they can decrease cognitive decline and even reverse it. As a matter of fact, one study conducted by AARP showed that 80% of people had increased cognitive function after managing their hearing loss.
5. The Batteries Have to be Replaced
Many people simply hate dealing with those little button batteries. And these batteries seem to pick the worst time to lose power, like when you’re waiting for a call from your doctor.
But simple solutions exist to reduce much of this perceived battery hassle. You can greatly increase battery life by implementing the proper strategies. The batteries are small and inexpensive, so it’s easy to carry an extra set in your wallet.
Or, you can buy a pair of rechargeable hearing aids which are available nowadays. Just put it on the charger when you go to bed. In the morning, simply put them back on. There are also solar-powered hearing aid docks so you can even recharge your hearing aid when you’re fishing. camping, or hiking.
6. You Will Experience a Learning Curve
The technology of modern hearing aids is quite sophisticated. It’s much easier than learning to use a computer for the first time. But it definitely takes a little time for your brain to get used to new hearing aids and to get the configurations right.
It progressively gets better as you continue to wear your hearing aids. Try to be patient with yourself and your hearing aids during this transition.
People who have stayed the course and worn their hearing aids for six months or more usually will say it’s all worth it.
Only actually wearing hearing aids can give you the experiencing of what they’re really like. If you want to figure it out, call us.
Call Today to Set Up an Appointment
References
https://www.aarp.org/health/brain-health/info-07-2013/hearing-loss-linked-to-dementia.html
