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FACT: Hearing aids do not make your hearing worse
Don't believe the misinformation about hearing aids - they won't make your hearing worse! In fact, research has shown that not using hearing aids can lead to a decline in cognitive health, balance, and an increased chance of depression and isolation.
Hearing aids are not dangerous for people who need them, but they must be programmed to your specific hearing loss by a trained professional. Wearing someone else's hearing aids is not recommended, as it can damage your ears.
Hearing aids have audio input and output limits and safeguards in place for loud, sudden noises, such as sirens or explosions. They also have noise-canceling technology, so you don't have to worry about those sounds putting you at an increased risk for hearing damage.
It may seem like your hearing is worse when you take your hearing aids off, but this is because your brain has adjusted to the increased sound quality provided by the hearing aids. Wearing hearing aids can actually slow the progression of hearing loss by helping to exercise the auditory nerve cells in your ear.
What do hearing aids do for you?
Now that we've established that hearing aids do not make your hearing worse, let's discuss what hearing aids help to improve.
Hear more clearly
One of the primary ways that hearing aids help you is by allowing you to hear more clearly. Hearing aids amplify the sounds and frequencies that you are missing, which can help to make speech and other sounds easier to hear. Additionally, hearing aids can be equipped with features that can help to filter out background noise, making it easier to focus on the sound you want to hear. Our patients often report that they hear better in restaurants, parties and at home with family members and the television.
Communicate more easily
Another way that hearing aids help you is by allowing you to communicate more easily. When you are able to hear more clearly, you are also able to communicate more effectively. This can be helpful in both personal and professional settings. Hearing aids help people communicate with more confidence and have even been shown to help wearers earn more money.
Improve your quality of life
Hearing aids can also help to improve your overall quality of life. When you are able to hear more clearly and communicate more easily, you are likely to feel more confident and independent. Additionally, hearing aids can help you stay connected with friends and family, as well as participate in activities that you enjoy. There is even research to suggest that hearing aids help with depression, anxiety and cognitive health!
When you need help with your hearing
When looking for a hearing aid, it is important to understand the features available. Most hearing aids have the ability to be set for different environments, advanced noise processing, excellent microphones, and Bluetooth connectivity. Some even have the ability to be wirelessly streamed to your television. The most important thing is that an experienced Audiologist is there to program the hearing aids to your hearing loss.
If you suspect that you need hearing help, find an audiologist near you and schedule an appointment for a diagnostic hearing test.
Our Audiologists at Advanced Hearing & Balance Specialists are ready to help you figure out where you’re hearing is at and, if necessary, find a hearing aid that fits your needs, lifestyle, and budget.
