Getting your first pair of hearing aids can be an exciting and overwhelming experience. Below is a list of some of the most common questions new hearing aid users ask.
How Do Hearing Aids Work?
Hearing aids are complex electronic devices that work to amplify sounds so those with hearing loss can hear them. All hearing aids contain these three key components:
- A microphone that picks up sounds from your environment.
- A processor that amplifies the sounds to a specific degree for your loss.
- A speaker that delivers the amplified sound into your ear.
How Fast Do Hearing Aids Work?
Hearing aids require an adjustment period. Since hearing loss is a progressive condition, it may have been years since you first began losing your hearing. This means there are numerous sounds you may not even notice you no longer hear, like the whir of your refrigerator or people whispering behind you at Portland’s Hollywood Theatre.
Before you leave our office with your new pair of hearing aids, your audiologist will explain the process of getting used to your hearing aids. You will begin slowly, only wearing your hearing aids for a few hours a day. You will continue to increase the length of time you wear the devices until you work your way up to wearing your hearing aids for all your waking hours.
Will Hearing Aids Fix My Hearing?
Hearing aids cannot repair damage to the delicate hairs inside your inner caused by aging or exposure to loud sounds. What they can do is make sounds that you can no longer hear louder.
What Are the Benefits of Hearing Aids?
Hearing aids do far more than simply improve your ability to hear. Numerous studies have linked the use of hearing aids to a delay in dementia and a reduction in feelings of depression, loneliness and anxiety.
Hearing aids have also been shown to lower your risk of falling and improving your overall quality of life.
Are There Any Negatives to Wearing Hearing Aids?
The only side effect to wearing hearings aids is some discomfort during the adjustment period. Pain, soreness or skin irritation is not normal; if any of these feelings occur, remove your hearing aids and contact your audiologist immediately.
While you are getting used to your hearing aids, you may notice that some sounds seem uncomfortably loud. This is normal. If the sounds become painful contact your audiologist.
To learn more about what to expect with your first pair of hearing aids or to schedule an appointment with a hearing expert, contact PDX ENT today.
