Ever ask yourself “what would it actually be like to wear hearing aids”? How does a hearing aid feel when you have one on, what does it sound like, and what does it feel like in your ears are all questions you may want to ask someone who already has hearing aids? If you really want to know what hearing aids are like, you should come in for a demo, but for now, keep reading for an explanation of what you can expect.
1. At Times You Get Feedback
No, not the type you might receive on a work evaluation. When a microphone and a speaker pick up each other’s signal, they interfere with each other causing a high-pitched screeching sound. It produces a sound loop that even modern speakers like the ones in hearing aids don’t know how to handle.
We’ve all heard this type of feedback right before somebody starts talking into a microphone.
Even though this can be uncomfortable, when hearing aids are properly tuned, it’s rare. You may need to re-fit or replace the earmolds if this keeps happening.
Feedback can be removed, in some more advanced hearing aids, by a built-in feedback cancellation system.
2. Conversations Are Easier to Hear in a Loud Setting
Eating dinner out with the family can seem like eating dinner by yourself if you have neglected hearing loss. Conversations are almost impossible to follow. Most of the evening, you might find yourself just nodding and smiling.
But hearing aids nowadays have some pretty sophisticated technology that can drown out background noise. The voices of your family and the wait staff become crystal clear.
3. Sometimes it Gets a Little Sticky
When something isn’t right, your body has a way of reacting to it. If you eat something overly spicy hot, you produce more saliva to rinse it out. If you get something in your eye, you generate tears to wash your eye. Your ears also possess a defense system of their own.
Earwax production.
So it’s hardly surprising that people who wear hearing aids often get to deal with wax buildup. Thankfully, it’s just 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 enjoying your hearing again.
4. There Are Advantages For Your Brain
You might be surprised by this one. When somebody has hearing loss, it very gradually begins to impact cognitive function if they don’t have it treated quickly.
One of the first things to go is the ability to understand what people are saying. Problem solving, learning new things, and memory will then become difficult.
Getting hearing aids as soon as possible helps stop this brain atrophy. Your brain gets re-trained. They can slow 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 increased cognitive function after managing their hearing loss.
5. The Batteries Have to be Replaced
Many individuals simply hate dealing with those tiny 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 many of the perceived challenges with these batteries can be quickly solved. There are methods you can use to greatly increase battery life. It’s not hard to bring an extra set because these batteries are inexpensive and small.
Or, you can purchase a pair of rechargeable hearing aids which are available now. 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 that have solar-powered chargers so they will be available to you even if you are camping or hiking.
6. You Will Experience a Learning Curve
Nowadays, hearing aids have sophisticated technology. It’s a lot simpler 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 routinely you wear hearing aids the better it gets. Try to be patient with yourself and your hearing aids during this transition.
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 find out for yourself?
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References
https://www.aarp.org/health/brain-health/info-07-2013/hearing-loss-linked-to-dementia.html