For most people, the idea of needing a hearing aid can be quite frightening. It’s new, something you’re not used to, and you don’t know what it can do for you! If you’re unsure and feel you might need a hearing aid, it’s recommended that you see an audiologist for a checkup, they can help you find out what the next step is regarding your hearing. There’s never any harm in having yourself checked for concerns such as this, and you shouldn’t hesitate if you feel like there is a real chance you might need help.
Their purpose
The purpose of a hearing aid is simple, it’s a device that transmits audio directly into your ear so that you can go on about your day without any hearing struggles! Today’s hearing aids are small and barely noticeable, so they won’t look out of place, and you’ll be able to do all the things you’re used to doing; you won’t have to worry so much about a loss of hearing!
Wireless function
For years, hearing aids have been wireless, which means they’re easily adjustable and can work in sync with one another. You don’t have to manually adjust the volume for each ear, and can be controlled remotely for your convenience; that’s much easier than needing an interface on the hearing aid itself!
Bluetooth capability
The wireless function of hearing aids means they’re capable of more than just remote adjustments, as you can now connect them to your devices with Bluetooth and have the sound from them transmitted straight to your hearing aid! This can be great for talking to people on the phone, watching TV, listening to music; you don’t have to miss out on your favorite home activities anymore when you have a hearing aid!
Maintaining
While your hearing aids are very useful and not likely going to be dealing with much physical force, you still need to maintain them! It’s mostly basic things like making sure they don’t get wet, cleaning them every now and then. You can learn more online, but make sure you take good care of them if you want them to last even longer!
Improve communication
The main function and need for hearing aids are to help you maintain the ability to communicate with others. It can be difficult to hold conversations with people if you frequently need them to repeat the things they’ve said, and this is one of the main symptoms that you might need to schedule a checkup. You don’t have to let the loss of hearing get in the way of your ability to talk to people, a hearing aid will make all the difference!
Isolate conversations
Another function that’s available with the hearing aid is the ability to have more isolated conversations. If you’re in a crowded area, you might find it difficult to have a one on one conversation, as it’s too loud with all of the surrounding noise. There are options with a hearing aid, as you can connect a wireless microphone for the other person to talk into, allowing you to hear them much clearer than the background noise!
Different types
There are many different types of hearing aid, all with their different purposes. It’s not up to you to know which is going to be best, but depending on the type and severity of your hearing loss, you may be prescribed a different type than what you were expecting! Your audiologist can help you come to a decision on what one is best for you, so be sure to get yourself checked if you’re concerned about your hearing health.
When to get checked
There are many reasons to get yourself checked for hearing loss, and there are several symptoms you might experience that tells you when it’s time to see a professional. The most obvious and alarming symptom would be that you’re having trouble hearing people speak as if their voices are muffled. Others might be a little less obvious, like conversations being tiring because you have to focus a lot to hear what the other person is saying, or needing people to speak a bit louder and clearer for you to hear them!
Hearing loss symptoms are not always signs of hearing loss and could be due to other reasons such as a wax build-up, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take your hearing health seriously. Always be sure you’re doing your best to protect your ears from harmfully loud noises and small objects that could enter them.
