With 48 million Americans experiencing some kind of hearing loss, it might be surprising that so many misconceptions are circulating about it. Particularly as the aging process progresses, people are increasing likely to have hearing loss, yet it can remain mysterious to those who have the loss, as well as their friends and loved ones. Let’s take a moment to understand more about hearing loss, including the way that hearing aids work and serve your needs. With these basic questions answered, you can have a better sense of the true information and the mythology that surrounds hearing loss. If you have someone in your life who is unclear about these facts, you can take the opportunity for a conversation to set the record straight.
What causes hearing loss?
Among the many causes of hearing loss, two are the most common: aging and exposure to noise. In the first case, hearing loss can occur as a natural process when the ears have been subjected to sound for a lifetime. Researchers continue to learn about the aging process, but they can see the effect of time on the ears in many studies. The other common form of hearing loss is exposure to noise. Particularly those who work or take part in leisure activities that involve loud sound are prone to hearing damage. The tiny, hairlike organelles of the inner ear called stereocilia are sensitive to differences in sound pressure, but that same sensitivity makes them prone to damage when they are exposed to noise. Beyond these common causes, others include exposure to chemicals or medications that damage hearing, comorbidities such as cardiovascular disease or diabetes, illness, injury, or congenital loss.
How do hearing aids work?
Hearing aids come in a range of styles and models, but they have a few things in common. They use a microphone to capture the acoustic sound in the world, and they transform that sound into something louder that the ears can hear, amplified through tiny speakers. The latest models of hearing aids use Digital Signal Processors (DSPs) to analyze that sound and transform it into something more understandable. These DSPs can even reduce the sound of background noise while keeping voices clear and audible. Hearing aids provide individualized amplification based on your needs rather than simply raising the volume on the world.
How long will it take to adjust to my hearing aids?
Unlike eyeglasses that can bring the world into focus immediately, hearing aids often take some time for adjustment. When you first put in your hearing aids, new sounds may be present that had long been gone. That enhanced frequency spectrum can feel disorienting at first. Experts recommend taking it slow when you adjust to hearing aids. Putting in your aids for a relatively short time in a comfortable environment will allow you to adjust in a safe place and at your own pace. When you are ready, you can take your aids out in the world, and then finally while doing more complex tasks, such as driving.
What can I expect from my hearing aids over time?
The latest hearing aids require very little maintenance and care. If you remember to keep the batteries charged or replaced and wipe down your aids with a clean, dry cloth from time to time, you should get many years of use out of them. If a repair becomes necessary, you can perform some basics at home. Keeping your hearing aids dry is an essential way to prolong their lifespan, and tools such as brushes or wire loops are available to remove earwax or other debris from the components of your aids. If more advanced assistance is needed, you can always contact our hearing health professionals for assistance. We can diagnose the problem, determine if repairs can be performed in house, and send off your aids to a licensed repair technician or the manufacturer if necessary. You might find that you are interested in new features as hearing aid technology advances, so feel free to contact us for an updated hearing test when the time is right. We can use that diagnosis to determine the right range of hearing aids for your needs!
