Hearing aids are amazing technological devices that allow the wearer to hear and communicate with loved ones once again, especially in noisy environments like the State Fair of Texas. But just because they are capable of great things doesn’t mean everyone loves them. Below are some of the common complaints about hearing aids we hear from our patients and how we like to respond.
“Hearing Aids Will Make Me Look Old”
It’s true that hearing loss is common among older populations, affecting one in three people ages 65 to 74 and one in two people over age 75, according to the National Institute on Aging. But hearing loss can affect anyone from birth until old age; there are many possible causes aside from the natural aging process.
Also, consider this: what do you think actually makes you look “old,” wearing a small, discreet piece of state-of-the-art technology behind your ears, or having to constantly ask people to repeat themselves so you can communicate with them?
“Hearing Aids Make Sounds Weird”
Before purchasing hearing aids, you should know that wearing a hearing aid is not like wearing glasses – it cannot restore your hearing to what it once was. Instead, hearing aids work by amplifying sounds to a level your ear can hear. This is going to make speech sound different than you may remember it sounding.
Furthermore, according to Deborah Berndtson, associate director of American Speech-Language-Hearing Association Audiology Professional Practices, the longer you wait before seeking treatment “the more difficult it is to adjust to the amplification, because you’re used to living in a quieter world.”
“Hearing Aids Are Uncomfortable”
It takes time to get used to wearing hearing aids. Your audiologist will likely instruct you to start wearing your hearing aid for just a few hours a day so you can get used to it, then slowly increasing the amount of time each day until you’re wearing it during all waking hours. After some time, you won’t even notice your devices anymore.
If your hearing aids are still uncomfortable after weeks of use, there may be a problem with the physical fit. Return to your audiologist so they can check the fit and take a new mold of your ear, if necessary.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, call Total Hearing Care of Dallas today.
