4 FAQs About Hearing Aids

Until you come to need one, hearing aids aren’t something that most people know about. Most of us know they exist, and we know they’re beneficial, but that’s about as far as the knowledge goes. This means that if you have a hearing test and have been told a hearing aid is the best choice for you, it’s easy to become confused.

Below are four of the most frequently asked questions about hearing aids and their answers.

“How do hearing aids work?”

Hearing aids are relatively simple in their construction. They are essentially a small speaker, which is worn inside, or on the outside of, the ear. The speaker is able to amplify sounds directly to the person wearing the hearing aid — effectively, the turn the volume up on everything.

“How effective are hearing aids?”

When fitted by an audiologist and correctly maintained, hearing aids are incredibly effective, and can improve the hearing even of those who have very little natural hearing left. As with most things, hearing aids involve a learning and adjustment process, but if this is properly managed, they can make a huge difference to a person’s life.

“How durable are hearing aids?”

Hearing aids are generally considered to be durable; they can be worn during physical activity, and most people who use them are able to forget they are there. Even if the device is damaged, hearing aid repairs are effective and affordable, so the device can be as good as new in a relatively quick time frame.

The only downside of hearing aids is that they cannot be used near water, so you can’t use them to go swimming or when showering.

“How do I know if I need a hearing aid?”

Many people, especially older people, wonder if their hearing loss requires a hearing aid. There is no easy answer to this, as everyone has different levels of types of hearing loss. Some people tolerate hearing loss without an issue and might not even know they are experiencing it; others notice the change very quickly. As a general rule, regular hearing tests — especially over the age of 60 — are the best way of ascertaining if you need a hearing aid.

Additionally, if you suspect that your hearing has weakened at any age, a hearing test should be your first port of call.

It’s important to remember that experiencing hearing loss does not mean you have to have a hearing aid. The decision is always yours, so attend a test for the facts of your situation, and then make your decision from there. If you are experiencing hearing loss, you will then have the opportunity to try hearing aids and experience the difference they can make, allowing you to then make a fully-informed decision.

In conclusion

Hearing aids may be confusing, but if you decide that you need one, then you will quickly learn they are simple to operate and maintain and can dramatically improve your life as a result.