Ever ask yourself “what would it really be like to wear hearing aids”? How does a hearing aid feel when you have one on, 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 understand, come in for a demo.
1. Hearing Aids Occasionally Have Feedback
No, not the kind you may get on a work evaluation. When a microphone and a speaker detect each other’s signal, they interfere with each other creating a high-pitched whistling sound. Even modern microphone and speaker systems can have a sound loop created.
They may squeal like a speaker in the school auditorium just before the principal speaks.
While this may sound mortifying, and it is uncomfortable, 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 removed, in some more sophisticated hearing aids, by a built-in feedback cancellation system.
2. You Can Follow Conversations in a Loud Restaurant
If you suffer from untreated hearing loss, having dinner with your family or friends in a loud restaurant can feel like you’re eating by yourself. Conversations are virtually impossible to keep up with. You may end up sitting there, nodding and smiling most of the night.
But hearing aids today have some pretty advanced technology that can drown out background noise. The voices of your family and the wait staff become crystal clear.
3. It Gets a Bit Sticky at Times
Your body has a way of telling you when something doesn’t belong. Your body will create saliva if you eat something too spicy. You will generate 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 buildup can sometimes be a problem for individuals who use hearing aids. Luckily, it’s only wax and it’s not a big deal 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. Your Brain Will Also Get The Benefit
You may be surprised by this one. When somebody develops hearing loss, it very gradually begins to impact cognitive function if they don’t get it treated as soon as possible.
One of the first things you lose is the ability to understand the spoken language. Solving problems, learning new things, and memory will then become difficult.
This brain atrophy can be stopped in its tracks by getting hearing aids as soon as you can. Your brain gets re-trained. Research shows that they can decrease mental decline and even reverse it. In fact, one study conducted by AARP revealed that 80% of individuals had improved cognitive function after treating their hearing loss.
5. The Batteries Need to be Replaced
Many people simply hate managing those tiny button batteries. And these batteries seem to choose 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 quickly resolved. There are methods you can use to significantly increase battery life. It’s not hard to bring an extra set because these batteries are inexpensive and small.
Or, currently you can buy hearing aids that are rechargeable. When you go to bed, just place them on the charging unit. Put it back on in the morning. There are also solar-powered hearing aid chargers so you can even recharge your hearing aid when you’re fishing. camping, or hiking.
6. There’s a Learning Curve
Nowadays, 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 a little time.
It gradually 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 used their hearing aids for six months or more usually will say it’s all worth it.
This is what it’s really like to use hearing aids. Isn’t it time to find out for yourself?
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References
https://www.aarp.org/health/brain-health/info-07-2013/hearing-loss-linked-to-dementia.html