At first glance, hearing aids might seem similar to eyeglasses in their purpose and functionality. Eyeglasses swiftly improve your eyesight, restoring clear vision. Hearing aids, on the other hand, help improve your ability to hear, but they don’t completely restore hearing to the way it used to be. Recognizing this crucial difference is important as you start to navigate the world of hearing aids. Setting reasonable goals will help you get the most out of your experience and steer clear of needless frustration.
What hearing aids can do
Hearing aids are exceptionally advanced devices designed to boost sound, making it easier to hear in different environments. They can improve conversations, help you hear soft sounds, and decrease the strain of struggling to listen. With modern technology, hearing aids can even adjust automatically to different listening environments, making them more intelligent than ever.
Although they are not perfect, hearing aids can boost your hearing capability. Yet, they are not able to totally restore normal hearing, particularly in challenging listening environments such as noisy restaurants. Understanding the capabilities and limitations of hearing aids will assist you in establishing reasonable expectations.
What are the limitations of hearing aids?
Compared to glasses that deliver an instant fix for vision problems, hearing aids have limitations. They enhance sound, but they are not completely effective at blocking out outside noise, making it challenging to hear conversations in loud environments like restaurants. Also, if your hearing loss is extreme or is a result of damage to the inner ear, hearing aids might not be as reliable as they are for individuals with mild to moderate hearing loss.
This doesn’t mean hearing aids aren’t helpful– they are. But it’s essential to understand that you might still need to concentrate more on conversations or ask people to repeat themselves in certain surroundings. Over time you will learn to get the most out of them.
How audiologists verify the effectiveness of hearing aids
When you get fitted for hearing aids, your hearing specialist plays a key role in making sure they’re set up properly.
Tests will be performed to assess the amplification of sound by your hearing aids and they will be customized according to your particular hearing impairment. Additionally, they will guide you through customizing audio levels, maneuvering between different applications, and addressing minor technical issues.
If your hearing aids aren’t working well or feel uncomfortable, don’t wait to go back your hearing specialist. It’s common to need adjustments after you begin wearing them.
Maintenance and care
Keeping your hearing aids in excellent condition is important for ensuring they work effectively. Regular cleaning, battery replacement (or charging if you have rechargeable aids), and safeguarding them from wetness and harsh temperatures will help extend their life.
Many individuals find it useful 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.
Assessment and future appointments
Following your initial consultation, routine check-ups are essential to ensure your hearing aids continue to work optimally and meet your needs. Your hearing specialist will conduct tests to ensure the devices are calibrated correctly and fine-tune them accorded to your feedback.
As your hearing changes, modifications to your hearing aids may be required.
When to get in touch with your hearing specialist
If you experience any of the following issues with your hearing aids, it’s recommended to contact your hearing specialist for help:
- Discomfort
- Reduced sound quality
- Difficulty understanding speech
The specialist is able to make any required changes or correct any problems. Moreover, if there are changes in your hearing capacity, the specialist can determine if your hearing aids require reprogramming or if a different strategy would be better.
Final thoughts
Using hearing aids is a journey, and establishing reasonable goals will help you get the most out of them. While hearing aids won’t completely restore your hearing, they can significantly improve your ability to communicate and get through your daily life.
By familiarizing yourself with what your devices can do, collaborating closely with your audiologist, and taking good care of your devices, you can enhance your hearing quality.
