Ever ask yourself “what would it truly be like to wear hearing aids”? What would your good friend say if you asked honest questions about what hearing aids sound like, what it feels like, and how they really feel about wearing one? Here’s a description of what hearing aids are like, but if you truly want to know, come in for a demo.
1. Hearing Aids Sometimes Have Feedback
No, not the type you might receive on a work evaluation. “Feedback “ is a whistling sound that a speaker makes when its microphone picks up the sound produced by the speaker. It produces a sound loop that even modern speakers like those in hearing aids don’t know how to handle.
They may squeal like a speaker in the school auditorium right before the principal speaks.
While this might sound mortifying, and it is uncomfortable, it is rare when a hearing aid is properly maintained. You may need to re-fit or replace the earmolds if this continues happening.
Feedback can be eliminated, in some more advanced hearing aids, by a built-in feedback suppression system.
2. Conversations Are Easier to Follow in a Loud Setting
If you have neglected hearing loss, eating dinner with your family or friends in a loud restaurant can feel like you’re eating alone. Conversations are virtually impossible to follow. You might end up sitting there, nodding and smiling most of the night.
But hearing aids today have some pretty sophisticated technology that can drown out background noise. The voices of your family and the restaurant staff become crystal clear.
3. It Gets a Little Sticky at Times
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 possess a defense system of their own.
Earwax production.
So it’s not surprising that individuals who wear hearing aids frequently get to deal with the buildup of earwax. Thankfully, it’s just wax and it’s not a big deal to clean the hearing aids. (We can help you learn how.)
Once you’re finished the cleaning you’re quickly back to good hearing.
4. There Are Benefits For Your Brain
You might be surprised by this one. If somebody starts to develop hearing loss it will slowly affect cognitive function as it progresses.
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 difficulty.
Getting hearing aids as soon as possible helps slow this brain atrophy. Your brain gets re-trained. They can slow and even reverse cognitive decline according to numerous studies. In 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 dealing with those little button batteries. And these batteries seem to pick the worst time to lose power, like when you’re waiting for a call from your doctor.
But simple solutions exist to reduce much of this perceived battery hassle. You can greatly increase 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, nowadays you can buy hearing aids that are rechargeable. Just dock it on the charger when you go to bed. In the morning, simply put them back on. There are also solar-powered hearing aid docks so you can even recharge your hearing aid while out fishing. camping, or hiking.
6. You Will Experience a Learning Curve
Nowadays, hearing aids have advanced technology. It’s a lot easier than learning to use a computer for the first time. But adjusting to your new hearing aids will certainly take some time.
It progressively gets better as you keep wearing your hearing aids. During this adjustment period, try to be patient with yourself and your new hearing aids.
Anybody who’s been wearing a set of hearing aids for 6 months or more will tell you that it’s worth it.
Only actually using hearing aids can give you the experiencing of what they’re really like. If you want to find out, call us.
References
https://www.aarp.org/health/brain-health/info-07-2013/hearing-loss-linked-to-dementia.html