Ever ask yourself “what would it actually be like to use hearing aids”? What would your good friend say if you asked candid 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 need to come in for a demonstration, but for now, keep reading for a description of what you can expect.
1. Hearing Aids Sometimes Have Feedback
No, not the type you may get on a work evaluation. “Feedback “ is a high-pitched noise that a speaker makes when its microphone picks up the sound produced by the speaker. It causes a sound loop that even advanced speakers like the ones in hearing aids don’t know how to handle.
They might squeal like a speaker in the school auditorium right before the principal starts talking.
Though this can be uncomfortable, when hearing aids are correctly tuned, it’s rare. You may need to re-fit or replace the earmolds if this continues happening.
Some state-of-the-art hearing aids have a feedback suppression system that identifies feedback and stops it in its tracks.
2. You Can Follow Conversations in a Noisy Restaurant
Going to a restaurant with the family can feel like eating dinner alone if you have untreated hearing loss. It’s virtually impossible to follow the conversations. You might end up sitting there, nodding and smiling most of the night.
But hearing aids today have some pretty sophisticated technology that can cancel out background noise. The voices of your family and the restaurant staff become crystal clear.
3. At Times it Gets a Little Sticky
Your body has a way of letting you know when something doesn’t belong. If you eat something overly spicy hot, you secrete more saliva to rinse 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 no surprise that those who wear hearing aids frequently get to manage the buildup of earwax. Luckily, it’s only wax and it’s not a problem to clean the hearing aids. (We can help you learn how.)
Then you’ll simply put that hearing aid back in and start relishing your hearing again.
4. Your Brain Will Also Get The Benefit
You may be surprised by this one. When somebody has hearing loss, it very slowly begins to affect cognitive function if they don’t have it treated quickly.
One of the first things you lose is the ability to comprehend the spoken language. Problem solving, learning new things, and memory will then 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 cognitive decline according to many studies. As a matter of fact, one study conducted by AARP revealed that 80% of people had improved cognitive function after treating their hearing loss.
5. The Batteries Need to be Replaced
Many people simply hate managing those little button batteries. And these batteries seem to pick the worst time to lose power, like when you’re expecting a call from your doctor.
But straight forward solutions exist to reduce much of this perceived battery trouble. You can substantially extend battery life by employing the proper methods. It’s not hard to bring an extra set because these batteries are inexpensive and small.
Or, today you can purchase rechargeable hearing aids. At night, just dock 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 hearing aids is rather advanced. It’s a lot easier than learning to use a computer for the first time. But getting used to your new hearing aids will definitely take a little time.
The longer and more consistently you use hearing aids the better it gets. Try to be patient with yourself and your hearing aids throughout this transition.
Anybody who’s been using a set of hearing aids for 6 months or more will tell you that it’s worth it.
This is what it’s actually like to use hearing aids. If you want to find out, contact us.
References
https://www.aarp.org/health/brain-health/info-07-2013/hearing-loss-linked-to-dementia.html