At first glance, hearing aids might seem similar to eyeglasses in their objective and functionality. Glasses correct your vision almost immediately, bringing clarity back into focus. Hearing aids, however, help improve your ability to hear, but they don’t completely restore hearing to the way it once was. Understanding this essential difference is significant when starting your adventure with hearing aids. Setting realistic goals will help you get the most out of your experience and steer clear of unnecessary disappointment.
The capabilities of hearing aids
Hearing aids are highly sophisticated tools created to boost sound levels, enhancing the ability to hear in a wide range of settings. They can enhance conversations, help you hear quiet sounds, and reduce the strain of trying to listen. With modern technology, hearing aids can even adjust automatically to different listening environments, making them more intelligent than ever.
Although they aren’t perfect, hearing aids can enhance your hearing ability. However, they are not able to fully restore normal hearing, particularly in challenging listening settings like noisy restaurants. Recognizing what hearing aids can and can not do will help you regulate your expectations.
Limitations related to using hearing aids?
Unlike glasses that provide an instant fix for vision issues, hearing aids have limitations. They boost sound, but they are not entirely effective at blocking out outside noise, making it challenging to hear conversations in loud settings like restaurants. Moreover, individuals with significant hearing impairment or inner ear damage might find that hearing aids are less beneficial compared to people with mild to moderate hearing loss.
Just because they have limitations doesn’t mean hearing aids aren’t helpful, because they are. You may still need to focus extra hard on what others are saying or ask them to clarify their words in some situations, even with better hearing. Over time you will learn to get the most out of them.
How hearing specialists make sure hearing aids are working
When you get fitted for hearing aids, your hearing specialist plays an essential role in making sure they’re configured properly.
They will conduct tests to measure how well your hearing aids amplify sound and calibrate them accorded to your hearing loss profile. They’ll also teach you how to adjust volume settings, switch between programs, and troubleshoot minor concerns.
If your hearing devices are not functioning properly or causing discomfort, do not put off in going back to see your hearing care professional. It’s common to need adjustments after you start wearing them.
Maintenance and care
Keeping your hearing aids in excellent condition is necessary for making sure they work efficiently. To optimize the lifespan of your devices, it’s essential to maintain them properly through regular cleaning, regular battery changes or recharging, and safeguarding them against exposure to excessive moisture and temperature fluctuations.
Many people find it beneficial to develop a routine for maintaining their hearing aids, including wiping them down each night and storing them in a protective case when not in use.
Evaluation and subsequent appointments
Following your preliminary consultation, regular check-ups are essential to ensure your hearing aids continue to function optimally and meet your needs. Your audiologist will conduct evaluations to verify that the equipment is set correctly and will make adjustments according to your input.
As your hearing requirements change over time, your hearing aids might require additional adjustments.
How to determine when it’s time to see an audiologist
It’s a good idea to reach out to your hearing specialist if you detect any issues with your hearing aids, including:
- Discomfort
- Reduced sound quality
- Difficulty understanding speech
The specialist is able to make any required changes or correct any issues. Moreover, if there are changes in your hearing ability, the specialist can identify if your hearing aids need reprogramming or if another solution would be better.
Set reasonable expectations
Using hearing aids is a journey, and establishing practical goals will help you get the most out of them. While hearing aids won’t totally restore your hearing, they can substantially enhance your ability to communicate and get through your daily life.
By understanding their capabilities, working closely with your hearing specialist, and maintaining your devices appropriately, you can enjoy a greater hearing experience.
