Ever ask yourself “what would it truly be like to use hearing aids”? 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 using one? If you really want to know what hearing aids are like, you should come in for a demo, but for now, keep reading for a summary of what you can expect.
1. At Times You Get Feedback
This isn’t the type of feedback that you get when somebody tells you how they feel about your performance. “Feedback “ is a high-pitched sound that a speaker makes when its microphone picks up the sound coming from the speaker. Even modern microphone and speaker systems can have a sound loop created.
They may squeal like a speaker in the school auditorium right before the principal starts talking.
Even 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.
Feedback can be removed, in some more advanced hearing aids, by a built-in feedback suppression system.
2. You Can Hear Conversations in a Noisy Restaurant
If you have neglected hearing loss, eating dinner with your family or friends in a noisy restaurant can seem like you’re eating alone. Conversations are nearly impossible to keep up with. You might wind up sitting there, smiling and nodding most of the night.
But hearing aids today have some pretty advanced technology that can drown out background noise. The voices of your family and the wait staff become crystal clear.
3. It Gets a Little Sticky at Times
Your body has a way of letting you know when something shouldn’t be there. Your body will produce saliva if you eat something overly spicy. You will generate tears if something gets into your eye. Your ears have their own way of getting rid of a nuisance.
Earwax production.
So it’s no surprise that those who wear hearing aids often 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’ll show you how.)
Then you’ll just put that hearing aid back in and begin enjoying your hearing again.
4. Your Brain Will Also Get The Benefit
This one may surprise you. When someone has hearing loss, it very gradually starts to affect brain function if they don’t have it treated quickly.
Fully understanding spoken language is one of the first things you lose. Solving problems, learning new things, and memory will then become a big challenge.
Getting hearing aids sooner than later helps slow this brain atrophy. They re-train your brain. Studies show that they can decrease mental decline and even reverse it. In fact, one study conducted by AARP revealed that 80% of people had increased cognitive function after treating their hearing loss.
5. You Need to Replace The Batteries
Many people simply hate managing those little button batteries. And these batteries seem to choose the worst time to die, like when you’re expecting a call from your doctor.
But many of the perceived challenges with these batteries can be quickly resolved. You can substantially increase battery life by implementing the right 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. Just place it on the charger when you go to bed. Put it back on in the morning. You can even get some hearing aids with solar-powered chargers so you can charge them even if you are camping or hiking.
6. You Will Have a Learning Curve
Today, hearing aids have advanced technology. It’s much simpler than learning to use a computer for the first time. But getting used to your new hearing aids will certainly take some time.
The longer and more consistently you wear hearing aids the better it gets. Try to be patient with yourself and the hearing aids during this transition.
Individuals who have stayed the course and used their hearing aids for six months or more usually will say it’s all worth it.
Only actually wearing hearing aids can give you the experiencing of what they’re really like. If you want to find out, call us.
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References
https://www.aarp.org/health/brain-health/info-07-2013/hearing-loss-linked-to-dementia.html