When you initially think about hearing aids, you might compare them to glasses. Glasses fix your vision almost instantly, bringing clarity back into focus. While hearing aids can dramatically improve your hearing abilities, they do not completely reverse hearing loss. Understanding this key difference is crucial when beginning your adventure with hearing aids. Formulating attainable objectives will make the most of your progress and prevent frustration, allowing you to make the most of your time and effort.
What hearing aids can do
Hearing aids are exceptionally advanced devices developed to amplify sound, making it easier to hear in different settings. They can enhance conversations, help you hear soft sounds, and decrease the strain of trying to hear. With modern technology, hearing aids can even adapt automatically to different listening environments, making them smarter than ever.
Although they are not perfect, hearing aids can boost your hearing capability. However, they are not able to completely restore normal hearing, particularly in demanding listening environments like noisy restaurants. Knowing what hearing aids can and can not do will help you regulate your expectations.
What are the limitations of hearing aids?
Unlike glasses that provide an immediate fix for vision problems, hearing aids have limitations. They boost sound, but they are not entirely successful at blocking out surrounding noise, making it difficult to hear conversations in noisy settings such as restaurants. Also, if your hearing loss is severe or caused by damage to the inner ear, hearing aids may not be as effective as they are for individuals with mild to moderate hearing loss.
This doesn’t mean hearing aids aren’t beneficial– they are. But it’s important 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 hearing specialists make sure hearing aids are working
When you get fitted for hearing aids, your hearing specialist plays a key role in ensuring they’re configured correctly.
Tests will be conducted to evaluate the amplification of sound by your hearing aids and they will be personalized according to your particular hearing impairment. In addition, they will guide you through tweaking audio levels, navigating between different applications, and addressing minor technical problems.
If your hearing devices are not working properly or causing discomfort, do not delay in returning to see your hearing care professional. You may need some fine-tuning once you begin using them.
Maintenance and care
Keeping your hearing aids in good condition is important for ensuring they work efficiently. Routine cleaning, battery replacement (or charging if you have rechargeable aids), and safeguarding them from moisture and extreme temperatures will help extend their life.
Establishing a regular schedule for cleaning and storing hearing aids is beneficial for many individuals. This may entail cleaning the devices every evening and keeping them in a protective case when they are not being used.
Evaluation and subsequent appointments
After your preliminary fitting, it’s essential to have follow-up appointments to ensure your hearing aids are working well. Your audiologist will conduct assessments to verify that the equipment is set properly and will make adjustments according to your input.
As your hearing needs change with time, your hearing aids might require further adjustments.
How to recognize when it’s time to see an audiologist
If you experience any of the following problems with your hearing aids, it’s advised to contact your hearing specialist for help:
- Discomfort
- Reduced sound quality
- Difficulty understanding speech
The specialist is able to make any needed changes or fix any issues. Moreover, if there are changes in your hearing capacity, the specialist can identify if your hearing aids require reprogramming or if another solution would be better.
Set reasonable expectations
Using hearing aids is a journey, and setting reasonable goals will help you get the most out of them. While hearing aids won’t totally restore your hearing, they can significantly improve your ability to communicate and navigate 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.
