Ever wish you could get the inside skinny on what hearing aids are actually like? What would your best friend say if you asked candid questions about what it sounds like, what it feels like, and how they really feel about wearing one? If you really want to know what hearing aids are like, you should come in for a demonstration, but for now, keep reading for an outline of what you can expect.
1. Sometimes You Get Feedback
No, not the kind you might receive on a work evaluation. When a microphone and a speaker detect each other’s signal, they interfere with each other causing a high-pitched screeching sound. It creates a sound loop that even advanced speakers like those in hearing aids don’t know how to handle.
We’ve all heard this kind of feedback right before someone begins speaking into a microphone.
While this might sound mortifying, and it is unpleasant, it is rare when a hearing aid is correctly maintained. If you’re encountering it, the earmold may not be correctly 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. You Can Hear Conversations in a Noisy Restaurant
If you suffer from neglected hearing loss, having dinner with your family or friends in a noisy restaurant can seem like you’re eating by yourself. It’s virtually impossible to keep up with the conversations. You might 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. The voices of your family and the restaurant staff become crystal clear.
3. It Gets a Bit Sticky Sometimes
Your body has a way of telling you when something doesn’t belong. Your body will produce saliva if you eat something too spicy. You will generate tears if something gets into your eye. Your ears also have a defense system of their own.
They make extra wax.
So it’s not surprising that individuals who wear hearing aids frequently get to deal with wax buildup. It’s just wax, thankfully, so cleaning it isn’t a problem. (We can help you learn how.)
Once you’re done the cleaning you’re quickly back to good hearing.
4. Your Brain Will Also Get The Benefit
This one may surprise you. If somebody starts to develop hearing loss it will gradually 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 difficult.
This brain atrophy can be slowed by getting hearing aids as soon as you can. They re-train your brain. Research shows that they can slow down cognitive decline and even reverse it. As a matter of fact, 80% of individuals had improved cognitive function, according to a study conducted by the AARP, after wearing hearing aids to treat their hearing loss.
5. The Batteries Have to be Replaced
Many individuals simply hate managing those little button batteries. And these batteries seem to choose the worst time to die, like when you’re waiting for a call from your doctor.
But simple solutions exist to alleviate much of this perceived battery trouble. You can greatly extend 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 purchase a pair of rechargeable hearing aids which are available nowadays. When you go to bed, simply place them on the charger. In the morning, simply put them back on. You can even get some hearing aids with solar-powered charging docs so you can charge them even if you are camping or hiking.
6. There’s a Learning Curve
Nowadays, hearing aids have sophisticated technology. It’s much easier than learning to use a computer for the first time. But getting used to your new hearing aids will definitely take some time.
It gradually improves as you continue to wear your hearing aids. During this adjustment time, try to be patient with yourself and your new hearing aids.
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.
References
https://www.aarp.org/health/brain-health/info-07-2013/hearing-loss-linked-to-dementia.html
