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 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 know, come see us for a demo.
1. Occasionally You Get Feedback
No, not the type you might get on a work evaluation. When a microphone and a speaker pick up each other’s signal, they interfere with each other creating a high-pitched screeching sound. It causes a sound loop that even advanced speakers like those in hearing aids don’t know what to do with.
We’ve all heard this kind of feedback just before someone starts speaking into a microphone.
Even though this can be uncomfortable, when hearing aids are properly tuned, it’s rare. 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 cancellation system that identifies feedback and stops it in its tracks.
2. Conversations Are Easier to Hear in a Loud Setting
Eating dinner out with the family can seem like eating dinner by yourself if you have untreated hearing loss. It’s virtually impossible to follow the conversations. Most of the night, you might wind up just nodding and smiling.
But hearing aids nowadays have some really advanced technology that can cancel out background noise. The voices of your family and the wait staff become crystal clear.
3. Sometimes it Gets a Little Sticky
When something isn’t right, your body has a way of responding to it. If you eat something overly spicy hot, you produce more saliva to wash it out. If you get something in your eye, you produce tears to flush your eye. Your ears also possess a defense system of their own.
They create extra wax.
So it’s hardly surprising that those who wear hearing aids often get to manage wax buildup. Fortunately, it’s only wax and it’s not a big deal to clean the hearing aids. (We’ll teach you how.)
Then you’ll just put that hearing aid back in and start relishing your hearing again.
4. There Are Advantages For Your Brain
You might be surprised by this one. When a person has hearing loss, it very slowly begins to impact cognitive function if they don’t have it treated as soon as possible.
One of the first things you lose is the ability to understand what people are saying. Then memory, learning new things, and solving problems become a challenge.
This brain atrophy can be stopped in its tracks by using hearing aids sooner than later. They re-train your brain. They can slow and even reverse mental decline according to many studies. As a matter of fact, one study reported by AARP showed that 80% of individuals had improved cognitive function after managing 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 expecting a call from your doctor.
But simple solutions exist to decrease much of this perceived battery hassle. There are strategies you can use to greatly increase battery life. It’s not hard to bring an extra set because these batteries are inexpensive and small.
Or, you can buy a set of rechargeable hearing aids which are available nowadays. Just place it on the charger when you go to bed. 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 advanced technology. It isn’t as hard as learning to operate a new computer. But it definitely takes a little time for your brain to get used to new hearing aids and to get the configurations right.
It gradually improves as you keep wearing your hearing aids. During this adjustment period, try to be patient with yourself and your new hearing aids.
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. If you want to find out, give us a call.
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References
https://www.aarp.org/health/brain-health/info-07-2013/hearing-loss-linked-to-dementia.html