Ever wish you could get the inside scoop on what hearing aids are truly like? What would your good friend say if you asked honest questions about what it sounds like, what it feels like, and how they actually feel about wearing one? If you really want to know what hearing aids are like, you should come in for a demo, but for now, continue reading for an explanation of what you can expect.
1. Occasionally You Get Feedback
This isn’t the type of feedback that you get when someone tells you how they feel about your results. “Feedback “ is a high-pitched noise that a speaker makes when its microphone picks up the sound produced by the speaker. Even modern microphone and speaker systems can have a sound loop created.
They might squeal like a speaker in the school auditorium just before the principal speaks.
Though this can be uncomfortable, 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.
Some state-of-the-art hearing aids have a feedback suppression system that recognizes feedback and stops it in its tracks.
2. You Can Follow Conversations in a Loud Restaurant
Eating dinner out with the family can seem like eating dinner alone if you have untreated hearing loss. It’s virtually impossible to follow the conversations. You might find yourself sitting there, smiling and nodding most of the night.
But hearing aids today have some pretty advanced technology that can cancel out background noise. The voices of your family and the wait staff become crystal clear.
3. At Times it Gets a Little 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. You will generate tears if something gets in your eye. Your ears also have a defense system of their own.
Earwax production.
So it’s no surprise that individuals who wear hearing aids often get to manage the buildup of earwax. Luckily, it’s only wax and it’s not a problem to clean the hearing aids. (We’ll show you how.)
Then you’ll simply put that hearing aid back in and start enjoying your hearing again.
4. Your Brain Will Also Get The Benefit
This one may surprise you. If somebody begins developing hearing loss it will slowly affect brain function as it progresses.
Fully understanding spoken language is one of the first things to go. Then memory, learning new things, and solving problems become a difficulty.
This brain atrophy can be stopped in its tracks by using hearing aids as soon as you can. Your brain gets re-trained. They can decrease and even reverse cognitive decline according to numerous studies. In fact, one study conducted by AARP showed that 80% of individuals had increased cognitive function after treating their hearing loss.
5. The Batteries Have to be Replaced
Those little button batteries can be somewhat difficult to deal with. And they seem to run out of juice at the worst times, like when you’re about to hear “whodunnit” in a mystery movie, or just as your friend is telling you the juicy details of a story.
But most of the perceived difficulties with these batteries can be quickly solved. There are methods you can use to greatly extend battery life. It’s not hard to bring an extra set because these batteries are inexpensive and small.
Or, today you can purchase rechargeable hearing aids. Just place it on the charger at night. Put it back on in the morning. There are also solar-powered hearing aid chargers so you can even recharge your hearing aid while out fishing. camping, or hiking.
6. You Will Have a Learning Curve
The technology of modern-day hearing aids is rather advanced. It isn’t as hard as learning to operate a new computer. But adjusting to your new hearing aids will definitely take a little time.
The longer and more regularly you use hearing aids the better it gets. Throughout this adjustment period, try to be patient with yourself and your new hearing aids.
Anyone who’s been using 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. If you want to find out, give us a call.
References
https://www.aarp.org/health/brain-health/info-07-2013/hearing-loss-linked-to-dementia.html