Ever wish you could get the inside skinny on what hearing aids are really like? What would your good friend say if you asked candid questions about what hearing aids sound 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 need to come in for a demonstration, but for now, continue reading for a description of what you can expect.
1. Sometimes You Get Feedback
No, not the kind you might get on a work evaluation. “Feedback “ is a whistling sound that a speaker makes when its microphone picks up the sound produced by the speaker. Even modern microphone and speaker systems can have sound loops created.
They might squeal like a speaker in the school auditorium right before the principal starts talking.
Though this can be unpleasant, when hearing aids are properly tuned, it’s rare. If you’re experiencing it, the earmold may not be properly fitted or you need to replace it.
Some advanced hearing aids have a feedback cancellation system that identifies feedback and stops it in its tracks.
2. Conversations Are Easier to Follow in a Loud Setting
Going to a restaurant with the family can seem like eating dinner by yourself if you have neglected hearing loss. It’s almost impossible to follow the conversations. Most of the night, you might find yourself just nodding and smiling.
But modern hearing aids have the advanced noise blocking ability for background sound. They bring the voices of your children 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. Your body will produce saliva if you eat something too spicy. If you get something in your eye, you generate tears to wash your eye. Your ears also possess a defense system of their own.
They generate extra wax.
Due to this, earwax buildup can occasionally be an issue for people who wear hearing aids. It’s just wax, luckily, so cleaning it isn’t an issue. (We can help you learn how.)
Once you’re done the cleaning you’re quickly back to good hearing.
4. Your Brain Will Also Get The Benefit
This one may surprise you. If someone begins developing hearing loss it will gradually affect brain function as it progresses.
Fully understanding what people are saying is one of the first things to go. Then memory, learning new things, and problem-solving become a challenge.
Getting hearing aids sooner than later helps slow this brain atrophy. They re-train your brain. They can decrease and even reverse cognitive decline according to numerous studies. In fact, one study reported by AARP revealed that 80% of individuals had improved cognitive function after treating their hearing loss.
5. You Have to Replace The Batteries
Many individuals simply hate managing those tiny button batteries. 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 particulars of a story.
But many of the perceived challenges with these batteries can be easily solved. There are methods you can use to substantially increase battery life. It’s not hard to bring an extra set because these batteries are inexpensive and small.
Or, you can purchase a set of rechargeable hearing aids which are available now. Just dock it on the charger when you go to bed. In the morning, just put them back on. You can even get some hearing aids with solar-powered charging docs so you can charge them even if you are hiking or camping.
6. There’s a Learning Curve
The technology of modern hearing aids is rather advanced. It’s not as hard as learning to use a new computer. But it certainly takes a little time for your brain to get used to new hearing aids and to get the configurations right.
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.
Individuals who have stayed the course and worn their hearing aids for six months or more typically will say it’s all worth it.
This is what it’s actually like to use hearing aids. Isn’t it time to learn for yourself?
References
https://www.aarp.org/health/brain-health/info-07-2013/hearing-loss-linked-to-dementia.html