Ever wish you could get the inside scoop on what hearing aids are actually like? How does a hearing aid feel when you’re wearing one, what does it 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 really want to understand, come in for a demo.
1. Hearing Aids Occasionally Have Feedback
This isn’t the kind of feedback that you get when someone tells you how what they think about your performance. When a microphone and a speaker detect each other’s signal, they interfere with each other creating a high-pitched screeching sound. Even modern microphone and speaker systems can have sound loops created.
They might squeal like a speaker in the school auditorium right before the principal speaks.
Even though this can be uncomfortable, when hearing aids are properly tuned, it’s rare. You might need to re-fit or replace the earmolds if this keeps happening.
Feedback can be eliminated, in some more sophisticated hearing aids, by a built-in feedback suppression system.
2. You Can Follow Conversations in a Loud Restaurant
Going to a restaurant with the family can seem like eating dinner by yourself if you have neglected hearing loss. Conversations are nearly impossible to follow. You may find yourself sitting there, nodding and smiling most of the night.
But hearing aids nowadays have some really sophisticated technology that can drown out background noise. The voices of your family and the wait staff become crystal clear.
3. At Times it Gets a Little Sticky
Your body has a way of telling you when something doesn’t belong. Your body will make saliva if you eat something overly spicy. If you get an eyelash in your eye, you produce tears to flush your eye. Your ears also have a defense system of their own.
Earwax production.
So it’s hardly surprising that individuals who wear hearing aids frequently get to deal with wax buildup. It’s just wax, thankfully, so cleaning it isn’t an issue. (We can help you learn how.)
Once you’re done the cleaning you’re quickly back in business.
4. There Are Advantages For Your Brain
You might be surprised by this one. If someone starts to develop hearing loss it will slowly impact brain function as it progresses.
One of the first things to go is the ability to comprehend what people are saying. Solving problems, learning new things, and memory will then become a big challenge.
This brain atrophy can be slowed by getting hearing aids sooner than later. They re-train your brain. Studies show that they can slow down cognitive decline and even reverse it. As a matter of fact, one study conducted by AARP revealed that 80% of individuals had improved cognitive function after treating their hearing loss.
5. You Need to Replace The Batteries
Many individuals simply hate managing those tiny button batteries. And these batteries seem to pick the worst time to die, like when you’re expecting a call from your doctor.
But simple solutions exist to alleviate much of this perceived battery trouble. There are strategies you can use to significantly extend battery life. It’s not hard to bring an extra set because these batteries are inexpensive and small.
Or, you can buy a pair of rechargeable hearing aids which are available nowadays. At night, just place them on the charging unit. In the morning, simply put them back on. You can even get some hearing aids that have solar-powered charging docs so you can charge them even if you are hiking or camping.
6. There’s a Learning Curve
Nowadays, hearing aids have advanced technology. It’s a lot simpler than learning to use a computer for the first time. But it certainly takes a little time for your brain to adapt to new hearing aids and to get the settings right.
It steadily improves as you keep wearing your hearing aids. Try to be patient with yourself and your hearing aids throughout this transition.
People who have stayed the course and worn their hearing aids for six months or more typically will say it’s all worth it.
This is what it’s actually like to wear hearing aids. Isn’t it time to learn for yourself?
Call Today to Set Up an Appointment
References
https://www.aarp.org/health/brain-health/info-07-2013/hearing-loss-linked-to-dementia.html