At first glance, hearing aids might seem similar to eyeglasses in their purpose and functionality. Eyeglasses swiftly correct your eyesight, restoring clear vision. Hearing aids, on the other hand, help improve your ability to hear, but they don’t fully restore hearing to the way it used to be. Comprehending this key difference is crucial when starting your adventure with hearing aids. Establishing attainable objectives will make the most of your progress and prevent disappointment, allowing you to make the most of your time and effort.
What hearing aids can do
Hearing aids are exceptionally advanced devices designed to amplify sound, making it easier to hear in various environments. By boosting quiet sounds and decreasing listening fatigue, they can considerably enhance the quality of your interactions and total auditory experience. With modern technology, hearing aids can even adjust automatically to different listening environments, making them more intelligent than ever before.
However, they aren’t a perfect solution. Hearing aids can enhance your ability to hear, but they can’t restore hearing to “normal,” especially in more complex situations like noisy surroundings. Understanding the capabilities and limitations of hearing aids will help you in setting reasonable expectations.
What are the limitations of hearing aids?
While glasses can immediately fix vision issues, hearing aids are not a simple strategy for hearing difficulties. They boost sound but don’t filter out ambient noise perfectly, so it might still be difficult to follow conversations in busy places like restaurants. Also, if your hearing loss is severe or is a result of damage to the inner ear, hearing aids might not be as reliable as they are for 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 people are saying or ask them to clarify their words in some situations, even with better hearing. Gradually, you’ll learn how to adapt to your hearing aids and make best use of their benefits.
How hearing specialists ensure hearing aids are working
When you get fitted for hearing aids, your hearing specialist plays a key role in ensuring they’re set up correctly.
They will conduct tests to measure how well your hearing aids amplify sound and adjust them based on your hearing loss profile. In addition, they will assist you through customizing audio levels, maneuvering between different applications, and resolving minor technical problems.
If your hearing devices are not working correctly or causing discomfort, do not delay in going back to see your hearing care professional. It’s common to need adjustments after you begin using them.
Maintenance and care
It is essential to maintain your hearing aids to make certain they function effectively. To maximize the lifespan of your devices, it’s imperative to maintain them properly through routine cleaning, regular battery changes or recharging, and safeguarding them against exposure to excessive moisture and temperature fluctuations.
Establishing a regular schedule for cleaning and storing hearing aids is beneficial for many individuals. This might involve cleaning the devices every evening and keeping them in a protective case when they are not being worn.
Testing and follow-up visits
Following your initial consultation, regular check-ups are essential to ensure your hearing aids continue to work optimally and meet your needs. Your hearing specialist will perform tests to ensure the devices are calibrated properly and fine-tune them based on your feedback.
As your hearing changes, adjustments to your hearing aids may be necessary.
How to determine when it’s time to consult an audiologist
If you experience any of the following problems with your hearing aids, it’s advised to contact your hearing specialist for support:
- Discomfort
- Reduced sound quality
- Difficulty understanding speech
The specialist is able to make any required 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 a different strategy would be better.
Set reasonable expectations
Wearing hearing aids is a process, and setting up attainable goals will enhance your experience with them. Even though hearing aids can not totally restore your hearing, they can greatly enhance your communication skills and ease your daily activities.
By recognizing their capabilities, working closely with your hearing specialist, and maintaining your devices properly, you can enjoy a better hearing experience.
