Ever ask yourself “what would it really be like to use hearing aids”? 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 really want to understand, come in for a demo.
1. Hearing Aids Occasionally Have Feedback
No, not the type you might receive on a work evaluation. “Feedback “ is a high-pitched sound 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 kind of feedback just before someone starts talking into a microphone.
While this might sound mortifying, and it is unpleasant, it is rare when a hearing aid is correctly maintained. You might need to re-fit or replace the earmolds if this continues happening.
Feedback can be eliminated, in some more sophisticated hearing aids, by a built-in feedback cancellation system.
2. Conversations Are Easier to Follow in a Loud Setting
If you have neglected hearing loss, eating dinner with your family or friends in a loud restaurant can feel like you’re eating alone. It’s nearly impossible to keep up with the conversations. You may find yourself sitting there, smiling and nodding most of the night.
But hearing aids nowadays have some pretty advanced technology that can cancel out background noise. The voices of your family and the restaurant staff become crystal clear.
3. At Times it Gets a Bit Sticky
When something is not right, your body has a way of reacting to it. If you eat something overly spicy hot, you secrete more saliva to rinse it out. You will produce tears if something gets in your eye. Your ears also possess a defense system of their own.
Earwax production.
As a result of this, earwax accumulation can sometimes be an issue for people who use hearing aids. Thankfully, it’s just wax and it’s not a problem to clean the hearing aids. (We can help you learn how.)
Then you’ll just put that hearing aid back in and start enjoying your hearing again.
4. There Are Benefits For Your Brain
This one may surprise you. When somebody has hearing loss, it very slowly starts to impact cognitive function if they don’t get it treated quickly.
One of the first things to go is the ability to understand the spoken language. Solving problems, learning new things, and memory will then become challenging.
This brain atrophy can be slowed by getting hearing aids as soon as you can. They re-train your brain. They can decrease and even reverse mental decline according to numerous studies. In fact, one study reported by AARP revealed that 80% of people had improved cognitive function after managing their hearing loss.
5. The Batteries Have to be Replaced
Those tiny button batteries can be somewhat challenging to manage. And these batteries seem to pick the worst time to lose power, like when you’re waiting for a call from your doctor.
But most of the perceived difficulties with these batteries can be easily resolved. There are strategies you can use to substantially extend battery life. The batteries are small and inexpensive, so it’s easy to carry an extra set in your wallet.
Or, today you can purchase rechargeable hearing aids. When you go to bed, just dock them on the charging unit. Put it back on in the morning. You can even get some hearing aids with solar-powered charging docs so they will be available to you even if you are camping or hiking.
6. There’s a Learning Curve
The technology of modern-day hearing aids is quite advanced. 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 settings right.
The longer and more regularly you use hearing aids the better it gets. Try to be patient with yourself and your hearing aids throughout this transition.
Anybody who’s been wearing a set of hearing aids for six months or more will tell you that it’s worth it.
Only actually using hearing aids can give you the experiencing of what they’re really like. If you want to find out, give us a call.
Call Today to Set Up an Appointment
References
https://www.aarp.org/health/brain-health/info-07-2013/hearing-loss-linked-to-dementia.html