To be successful with hearing aids, it’s important to have a realistic expectation about what they can and can’t do. The benefits of hearing aids can include better hearing, balance and mental health, but you can’t expect to hear just like you once did. We review more about managing your expectations with hearing aids below.
What Hearing Aids Can’t Do
According to one study published in 2018, “Hearing aids restore sensitivity, but fail to restore normal perception.” The reason for this is hearing involves both the ears and brain. When you go a long time without treating your hearing loss, as most people do, the brain essentially “forgets” how to process and filter certain sounds. When you put your hearing aids in for the first time, your brain will be overwhelmed by all the sensory input; it takes time to re-learn what sounds are important and which aren’t.
What Hearing Aids Can Do
Below are some of the many benefits of hearing aids:
Better Hearing
Of course, you’ll be able to hear better with hearing aids than without them. Hearing aids amplify sounds to a level the wearer can easily detect. Hearing aids will boost your hearing in challenging listening environments like group settings at Helen’s Restaurant and talking on the phone.
Better Balance
According to research by Johns Hopkins, “People with a 25-decibel hearing loss, classified as mild, were nearly three times more likely to have a history of falling.” This is likely due to having poorer overall awareness of their environment and having increased cognitive load. Hearing aids can make you more aware of your surroundings and decrease your cognitive load.
Better Mental Health
When you can’t hear well, you may be anxious about whether you’re hearing people correctly and responding appropriately. Over time, this anxiety can cause you to withdraw from people and activities you once enjoyed, which is a well-known risk factor for depression. Hearing aids can help you navigate the world more confidently and boost your self-esteem.
For more information on hearing aid fitting or to schedule an appointment, call Audiology Center of Maine today.