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 really feel about wearing one? If you truly 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. Occasionally You Get Feedback
No, not the kind you may get on a work evaluation. “Feedback “ is a high-pitched sound 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.
We’ve all heard this kind of feedback right before somebody begins talking into a microphone.
While this might sound mortifying, and it is uncomfortable, it is rare when a hearing aid is properly maintained. You may need to re-fit or replace the earmolds if this keeps happening.
Feedback can be removed, in some more sophisticated hearing aids, by a built-in feedback cancellation system.
2. Conversations Are Easier to Hear in a Loud Setting
If you have untreated hearing loss, having dinner with your family or friends in a noisy restaurant can feel like you’re eating alone. Conversations are nearly impossible to follow. Most of the night, you may end up just nodding and smiling.
But today’s hearing aids have the advanced ability to block out background noise. The voices of your family and the wait staff become crystal clear.
3. At Times it Gets a Bit Sticky
When something isn’t right, your body has a way of reacting to it. Your body will create saliva if you eat something overly spicy. You will make tears if something gets into your eye. Your ears also possess a defense system of their own.
Earwax production.
So it’s not surprising that individuals who wear hearing aids often get to manage wax buildup. It’s just wax, fortunately, so cleaning it isn’t a problem. (We can help you learn how.)
Once you’re finished the cleaning you’re quickly back in business.
4. Your Brain Will Also Get The Benefit
This one might surprise you. When a person develops hearing loss, it very gradually begins to affect cognitive function if they don’t have it treated as soon as possible.
Accurately understanding what people are saying 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. Your brain gets re-trained. They can slow and even reverse cognitive decline according to numerous studies. As a matter of fact, one study conducted by AARP revealed that 80% of individuals had improved cognitive function after managing their hearing loss.
5. You Need to Replace The Batteries
Many individuals simply hate dealing with those tiny button batteries. And these batteries seem to pick the worst time to die, like when you’re waiting for a call from your doctor.
But straight forward solutions exist to alleviate much of this perceived battery hassle. You can significantly increase battery life by implementing the correct strategies. It’s not hard to bring an extra set because these batteries are inexpensive and small.
Or, you can choose a set of rechargeable hearing aids which are available now. Just dock it on the charger at night. In the morning, just put them back on. There are also solar-powered hearing aid chargers so you can even recharge your hearing aid while out camping, fishing, or hiking.
6. There’s a Learning Curve
Today, hearing aids have sophisticated technology. It’s not as difficult as learning to operate a new computer. But it definitely takes a little time for your brain to adjust to new hearing aids and to get the settings right.
The longer and more routinely you wear 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 used their hearing aids for six months or more typically will say it’s all worth it.
This is what it’s really like to wear 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