Hearing loss happens gradually over time and it can take several years before a person decides to seek help.
Fortunately, today there are hearing aids used to improve hearing. No such manufactured device can fully restore normal hearing, but there are hearing aids that can lead to significant improvement.
After living with hearing loss for a long time, when putting on hearing aids for the first time, you may be surprised by all the sounds that come back with more depth and precision. At first, some sounds may feel too loud, which can be quite overwhelming. Over time, your brain will learn which sounds to focus on and which to ignore and attenuate.
In this article, we’ll dive more into this subject and discuss how effective hearing aids truly are.
Choosing The Right Hearing Aids
Usually, the first question that pops in people’s heads is -“Which hearing aid is best?” since the wide range of choices can lead to people feeling confused. There’s no right answer since different hearing aids are suitable for different people and different hearing impairments.
To suggest a hearing aid, the audiologist must do different hearing tests, but also talk to you about your life situation, and weigh up your individual needs and conditions. Based on this, they can suggest something that could match your needs and propose top-notch hearing aid brands.
If you want to check out different models, Unitron hearing aids are the perfect choice as this brand offers receiver-in-canal, in-the-ear, and behind-the-ear styles that alleviate almost every type and level of hearing loss, providing sound clarity and comfort with its sleek design.
Remember that choosing hearing aids is just the beginning. How the audiologist then sets up your hearing aids is just as important as choosing the right ones. This is because we perceive sounds very differently and two people with the same hearing curve may therefore need different settings.
How Hearing Aids Work
A microphone, an amplifier, and a speaker are the three basic parts of hearing aids. These hearing devices receive sound via the microphone which then converts the sound waves into electrical signals, sending them off to the amplifier.
The power of the signals is increased by the amplifier which passes them on to the ear through a speaker. Hearing aids are found to be particularly useful for improving the hearing and speech comprehension of those who suffer hearing loss due to damage to the hair cells in the ear. This type of hearing loss is called sensorineural and can occur due to illness, old age, or injuries caused by noise or medications.
Hearing aids amplify sound vibrations that enter the ear and surviving hair cells detect greater vibrations, converting them into nerve signals that are transmitted to the brain. The greater the damage to the hair cells, the more serious the hearing loss.
Lastly, know that a hearing aid has a limit to how much amplification it can provide.
Maintenance for Better Function
It’s essential that you take care of your hearing aids. Doing so will extend their life cycle and reduce the risk of problems in daily use. Hearing aids are durable but the microphone is very small and can be easily damaged.
They don’t tolerate improper use so make sure your hands are clean and dry before touching them and remove them before showering, bathing, or swimming. When you’re not using them, it’s best to store them in their box. If your hearing aids require service or repair, always contact your hearing care professional.
Have Realistic Expectations
Acquiring hearing aids usually means a big boost and positive change in the lives of most people. Be prepared that it may take some time to get used to the new sound image, but if the hearing aids are fitted correctly, you’ll soon notice that you perceive much more of what is said around you.
Make sure not to expect them to give you a “normal” hearing because then you will end up disappointed. Hearing aids are small devices, great at amplifying sound, but no hearing aids can repair damaged cells, no matter how amazing and advanced.
Final Thoughts
Finding high-quality hearing aids and using them properly will increase the quality of your life, improve your health and make it easier to take part in various activities.
Hearing aids are an effective way to study and work, stimulate curiosity, facilitate communication, they make it easier for you to focus, stimulate the brain and help you live your best life.
Last but not least, remember that no hearing aid can fully compensate for the loss of hair cells in the inner ear, no matter how sophisticated it is. These devices are an aid, not a cure.
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