Ever ask yourself “what would it actually be like to use hearing aids”? 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 truly want to know, come see us for a demonstration.
1. Sometimes You Get Feedback
No, not the kind you might 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. Even modern microphone and speaker systems can have a sound loop created.
We’ve all heard this type of feedback just before somebody begins speaking into a microphone.
While this may sound mortifying, and it is uncomfortable, it is rare when a hearing aid is correctly maintained. If you’re encountering it, the earmold might not be properly fitted or you need to replace it.
Some state-of-the-art hearing aids have a feedback suppression system that identifies feedback and stops it in its tracks.
2. Conversations Are Easier to Follow in a Loud Setting
Eating dinner out with the family can feel like eating dinner by yourself if you have untreated hearing loss. It’s nearly impossible to follow the conversations. You may end up sitting there, smiling and nodding most of the night.
But hearing aids today have some really advanced technology that can drown out background noise. They bring the voices of your children and the servers into crystal clearness.
3. Sometimes it Gets a Bit Sticky
Your body has a way of letting you know when something doesn’t belong. Your body will produce saliva if you eat something overly spicy. If you get something 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 not surprising that individuals who wear hearing aids frequently get to deal with the buildup of earwax. It’s only wax, thankfully, so cleaning it isn’t an issue. (We can help you learn how.)
Then you’ll simply put that hearing aid back in and start relishing your hearing again.
4. There Are Benefits For Your Brain
This one might surprise you. When someone develops hearing loss, it very gradually begins to affect cognitive function if they don’t get it treated quickly.
Fully understanding what people are saying is one of the first things to go. Then memory, learning new things, and problem-solving become a challenge.
This brain atrophy can be slowed by getting hearing aids sooner than later. Your brain gets re-trained. They can decrease and even reverse cognitive decline according to many studies. In fact, 80% of individuals had improved cognitive function, according to research carried out by the AARP, after using hearing aids to manage their hearing loss.
5. The Batteries Have to be Replaced
Many individuals simply hate dealing with those little button batteries. And these batteries seem to pick the worst time to die, like when you’re expecting a call from your doctor.
But straight forward solutions exist to alleviate much of this perceived battery trouble. There are methods 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, nowadays you can purchase hearing aids that are rechargeable. At night, just dock them on the charger. Put it back on in the morning. There are also solar-powered hearing aid docks so you can even recharge your hearing aid when you’re camping, fishing, or hiking.
6. You Will Experience a Learning Curve
Today, hearing aids have sophisticated technology. It’s much simpler than learning to use a computer for the first time. But getting used to your new hearing aids will certainly take some time.
The longer and more routinely you wear hearing aids the better it gets. Try to be patient with yourself and the hearing aids during this transition.
People who have stayed the course and used their hearing aids for six months or more typically will say it’s all worth it.
Only actually using hearing aids can give you the experiencing of what they’re really like. Isn’t it time to learn for yourself?
References
https://www.aarp.org/health/brain-health/info-07-2013/hearing-loss-linked-to-dementia.html
