Ever ask yourself “what would it actually be like to wear hearing aids”? What would your good friend say if you asked honest questions about what hearing aids sound like, what it feels like, and how they really 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, keep reading for a summary of what you can expect.
1. At Times You Get Feedback
No, not the type you might get 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. Even modern microphone and speaker systems can have a sound loop created.
They might squeal like a speaker in the school auditorium just before the principal starts talking.
While this might sound mortifying, and it is unpleasant, it is rare when a hearing aid is properly tuned. 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 recognizes feedback and stops it in its tracks.
2. You Can Hear Conversations in a Noisy Restaurant
Going to a restaurant with the family can seem like eating dinner alone if you have neglected hearing loss. Conversations are virtually impossible to keep up with. Most of the evening, you may end up just nodding and smiling.
But today’s hearing aids have the advanced noise blocking capability for background sound. They bring the voices of your family and the wait staff into crystal clarity.
3. Sometimes it Gets a Little Sticky
Your body has a way of letting you know when something shouldn’t be there. If you eat something overly spicy hot, you produce more saliva to rinse it out. You will make tears if something gets in your eye. Your ears have their own way of removing a nuisance.
They create extra wax.
So it’s no surprise that those who wear hearing aids frequently get to deal with wax buildup. Fortunately, it’s just wax and it’s not a big deal to clean the hearing aids. (We’ll teach you how.)
Then you’ll simply put that hearing aid back in and start enjoying your hearing again.
4. There Are Benefits For Your Brain
You may be surprised by this one. If somebody starts to develop hearing loss it will gradually impact brain function as it progresses.
One of the first things to go is the ability to understand the spoken language. Problem solving, learning new things, and memory will then become a big challenge.
Getting hearing aids sooner than later helps stop this brain atrophy. Your brain gets re-trained. They can decrease and even reverse mental decline according to numerous studies. As a matter of fact, 80% of people had improved cognitive function, according to research conducted by the AARP, after wearing hearing aids to treat their hearing loss.
5. You Need to Replace The Batteries
Many people simply hate managing those tiny button batteries. And they seem to die at the worst times, like when you’re about to find out “whodunnit” in a mystery movie, or just as your friend is telling you the juicy particulars of a story.
But simple solutions exist to reduce much of this perceived battery trouble. You can substantially extend battery life by using the correct methods. 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 nowadays. At night, just place them on the charging unit. In the morning, just put them back on. There are also solar-powered hearing aid docks so you can even recharge your hearing aid when you’re camping, fishing, or hiking.
6. You Will Have a Learning Curve
Nowadays, hearing aids have advanced technology. It isn’t as difficult 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 settings right.
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.
People 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 actually like to wear hearing aids. Isn’t it time to find out for yourself?
References
https://www.aarp.org/health/brain-health/info-07-2013/hearing-loss-linked-to-dementia.html
