Nothing is as frustrating as hearing loss. This condition affects people of all ages, but it’s more prevalent among those aged above 60 years. It’s almost impossible to restore your hearing ability once it starts to fade. However, hearing aids can be of great help when hearing loss sets in. Thus, it’s best to know what hearing aids are, how they work, and how to choose a suitable one.
What are Hearing Aids?
As the name suggests, these electronic devices are designed to improve your auditory ability when you start experiencing hearing loss. The devices are typically worn behind or in the ears, and they work by collecting sound waves and directing them into the ear. This makes the ambient sound louder, thus improving your speech and hearing comprehension.
A hearing aid comprises the following basic components:
- Microphones for picking up ambient sound
- A computer chip that processes and augments the sound
- A speaker for transmitting the sound to the inner ear
- A battery that powers the device
Benefits of Hearing Aids
Most people who suffer from hearing loss end up without hearing aids. This is primarily because they know little about these devices, or have formed misconceptions about them. Besides improving your auditory ability, here are other key benefits of hearing aids:
They Improve Your Life Quality
A recent report highlighted that individuals with hearing loss are more likely to feel depressed than the general population. Furthermore who don’t use hearing aids are at a higher risk of depression than those who use the devices.
Hearing Aids Slow Down Dementia
Hearing is an essential cognitive function. When hearing loss sets in, your cognitive ability also declines. According to researchers, individuals with poor hearing are more likely to have cognitive problems. Thus, they recommend hearing aids to help stave off dementia.
Hearing Aids Are Cost-Saving
When you get diagnosed with hearing loss and the audiologist recommends that you buy a hearing aid, one of the things you may worry about is the cost of the device. However, you should be more concerned about the cost of not getting one. If left untreated, hearing loss can cause communication breakdowns at work, depression and anxiety, and even job losses.
Hearing Aids Are Life-Saving Devices
Indeed, hearing aids won’t restore your hearing ability, but they make you more conscious of your surroundings. Individuals who wear hearing aids are perceptive of everything that happens around them. They are more aware of hazards such as oncoming traffic, sirens, and fire alarms.
Key Considerations When Buying Hearing Aids
When buying hearing aids, durability and reliability should be your top considerations. There are dozens of models on the market, thus the need to find one that suits your needs and preferences. It’s best to work with your audiologist when choosing between different hearing aids. This way, you’ll be able to find one that is comfortable and convenient regardless if where
you wear it.
Other considerations when choosing hearing aids include:
- Budget
If you have a limited budget, it’s best to find a hearing aid that suits your needs without breaking the bank. - Required Accessories
If your hearing loss is severe, you may need auxiliary accessories to improve your auditory ability. - Personal Style and Preferences
If you’re conscious about your image when wearing a hearing aid, find a model that’s worn inside the ear, thus remaining invisible. - Lifestyle
Consider your social preferences, hobbies, and occupation when choosing hearing aids. It’s best to find one that won’t be obstructive.
Final Thoughts
If you’re experiencing hearing loss, it’s needless to contend with less-than-perfect hearing. Thanks to hearing aids, you can enjoy a better quality of life and have easier and normal conversations with your loved ones.
— Featured photo by Flickr user Steve Johnson, Creative Commons