Ever wish you could get the inside skinny on what hearing aids are really like? What would your best friend say if you asked candid questions about what hearing aids sound like, what it feels like, and how they actually feel about using one? Here’s a description of what hearing aids are like, but if you truly want to understand, come see us for a demonstration.
1. Occasionally You Get Feedback
No, not the kind you may 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. It creates a sound loop that even modern speakers like the ones in hearing aids don’t know how to handle.
We’ve all heard this type of feedback just before someone starts talking into a microphone.
Although this can be unpleasant, when hearing aids are correctly tuned, it’s rare. You might need to re-fit or replace the earmolds if this keeps 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
Eating dinner out with the family can feel like eating dinner alone if you have untreated hearing loss. Conversations are nearly impossible to keep up with. You may wind up sitting there, smiling and nodding most of the night.
But modern hearing aids have the advanced noise blocking ability for background sound. The voices of your family and the wait staff become crystal clear.
3. It Gets a Little Sticky Sometimes
Your body has a way of telling you when something doesn’t belong. Your body will create saliva if you eat something overly spicy. You will make tears if something gets into your eye. Your ears have their own way of eliminating a nuisance.
They create extra wax.
As a result of this, earwax buildup can occasionally be an issue for individuals who use hearing aids. Fortunately, it’s only wax and it’s not a problem to clean the hearing aids. (We’ll show you how.)
Once you’re finished the cleaning you’re quickly back in business.
4. Your Brain Will Also Get The Benefit
You might be surprised by this one. If someone begins developing hearing loss it will gradually impact brain function as it progresses.
One of the first things to go is the ability to understand what people are saying. Then memory, learning new things, and problem-solving become challenging.
Getting hearing aids as soon as possible helps stop this brain atrophy. They re-train your brain. They can decrease and even reverse mental decline according to numerous studies. As a matter of fact, 80% of people had increased mental function, according to research carried out by the AARP, after using hearing aids to treat their hearing loss.
5. The Batteries Need to be Replaced
Those tiny button batteries can be somewhat challenging to deal with. And they seem to die at the worst times, like when you’re about to find out “whodunnit” in a mystery movie, or just as your friend is telling you the juicy particulars of a story.
But straight forward solutions exist to decrease much of this perceived battery hassle. You can significantly extend battery life by implementing the right strategies. It’s not hard to bring an extra set because these batteries are inexpensive and small.
Or, you can buy a pair of rechargeable hearing aids which are available nowadays. At night, just put them on the charging unit. 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. There’s a Learning Curve
The technology of modern-day hearing aids is rather sophisticated. It isn’t as difficult as learning to use a new computer. But getting used to your new hearing aids will certainly take a little time.
The longer and more consistently you wear hearing aids the better it gets. Try to be patient with yourself and the hearing aids throughout this transition.
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 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