Ever wish you could get the inside scoop on what hearing aids are really like? 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. Occasionally You Get Feedback
No, not the kind you may get on a work evaluation. When a microphone and a speaker pick up each other’s signal, they interfere with each other resulting in a high-pitched whistling sound. Even modern microphone and speaker systems can have sound loops created.
We’ve all heard this type of feedback just before somebody begins talking into a microphone.
Even though this can be unpleasant, when hearing aids are correctly tuned, it’s rare. If you’re encountering it, the earmold might not be properly fitted or you need to replace it.
Feedback can be removed, in some more advanced 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 neglected hearing loss. Conversations are nearly impossible to follow. Most of the night, you may end up just nodding and smiling.
But today’s hearing aids have the advanced ability to block out background noise. They bring the voices of your family and the wait staff into crystal clearness.
3. At Times it Gets a Bit Sticky
When something is not 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 generate tears to wash your eye. Your ears have their own way of removing a nuisance.
They produce extra wax.
As a result of this, earwax accumulation can sometimes be an issue for individuals who wear hearing aids. It’s only wax, fortunately, so cleaning it isn’t an issue. (We can help you learn how.)
Once you’re finished the cleaning you’re quickly back in business.
4. There Are Advantages For Your Brain
You may be surprised by this one. If somebody begins developing hearing loss it will slowly affect brain function as it progresses.
One of the first things you lose is the ability to comprehend the spoken language. Then memory, learning new things, and problem-solving become a difficulty.
Getting hearing aids sooner than later helps stop this brain atrophy. Your brain gets re-trained. They can decrease and even reverse cognitive decline according to numerous studies. In fact, one study reported by AARP showed that 80% of people had increased cognitive function after managing their hearing loss.
5. You Need to Replace The Batteries
Many people simply hate managing those little button batteries. 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 details of a story.
But most of the perceived challenges with these batteries can be quickly 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, you can buy a set of rechargeable hearing aids which are available nowadays. Just dock it on the charger at night. In the morning, just put them back on. 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 easier than learning to use a computer for the first time. But adjusting to your new hearing aids will definitely take a little time.
The longer and more routinely you wear hearing aids the better it gets. During this adjustment period, try to be patient with yourself and your new hearing aids.
Anyone who’s been wearing a set of hearing aids for 6 months or more will tell you that it’s worth it.
Only actually wearing hearing aids can give you the experiencing of what they’re really like. Isn’t it time to find out for yourself?
References
https://www.aarp.org/health/brain-health/info-07-2013/hearing-loss-linked-to-dementia.html