Understanding Hearing Aids : The Technology Behind Better Hearing

Do you find that it’s been increasingly harder to hear lately? Do you find you are having to ask people to repeat themselves more often than not? These are common signs which indicate you may be likely struggling with a hearing loss. Hearing loss is commonly associated as a condition which affects older adults; however, it can affect anyone of any age- many times due to exposure to loud noise, impact to the head or due to exposure to ototoxic chemicals via medication or environmental toxins. In 90 percent of cases, hearing loss is irreversible however, it can be addressed using hearing aids. What are hearing aids and how do they work?

Understanding Hearing Aids

Hearing aids are tiny electronic devices which come in a wide range of styles, resting in or around the ear canal. They can be programmed based on your last hearing exam to amplify the specific sounds or tones you struggle with. This can make it easier to hear the people in your life, as well as the world around you. It’s recommended that you wear them from the moment you wake till the time you rest, only to be removed when swimming or bathing. This allows you to hear anything that comes your way during your waking hours, improving confidence, helping to rebuild relationships, and encouraging you to try new things. People who use hearing aids have on average greater success at work, with higher earnings as well as a lower risk of cognitive decline – a risk which increases proportionately with the severity of hearing loss.

Modern Hearing Aids: How Do They Work?

Hearing aids have come a long way since in the past few decades. Not only do they amplify sound, but they can be digitally programmed to enhance your listening experience individually to you. Modern hearing aids are becoming smaller, more light weight and more powerful, offering a wide range of styles and features like never before. Still, modern hearing aids use the same components as those of the recent past. This includes a microphone to pick up sound, a processor to analyze and convert that sound into electrical signals, a receiver to deliver the signal to your eardrum and a battery to power the device.

Finding the Fit Right for You

It may take time for you to get used to hearing aids at first. This is because most people wait 7 to 10 years before taking action around hearing loss and trying hearing aids for the first time. During this time a lot may have changed in your hearing. It often happens so gradually that your brain rationalizes the loss and you aren’t aware it’s even as bad as it is. When you start wearing hearing aids you may hear sounds you haven’t been able to hear in years. It will take your brain a while to adjust. Once you do—usually within two weeks, you’ll wonder how you ever went without them.

Your audiologist will determine what sounds you will need to function with greater ease daily, including volume tones and fit. Not only are they programming for quiet settings but noisy ones with lots of conversation and background noise happening at once. Your audiologist is there to ask questions about your life to determine how hearing aids can best support you on an individual level. This means taking in amplifying wind and environmental factors for those who spend a lot of time outdoors and adding music settings for those who play or listen to a lot of music.

A Personalized Audio Experience

If you suspect that you may have a hearing loss, use the upcoming New Years as a starting point to invest in better hearing. When you schedule an appointment with us to have your hearing tested, we are not just going to amplify your hearing – we are going to design a comprehensive program to make sure that you can hear and navigate in every point in your life. It’s an investment not only in your hearing but in the quality of your life for years to come. The first step is to contact us today to find out how hearing aids can improve your life.