10 Facts About Hearing Aids
Hearing aids have evolved immensely. Modern hearing aids are virtually invisible and are almost limitless in customization. Here are 10 hearing aid facts you may not know.
History of the Hearing Aid
Hearing aids have evolved so much over time — it's hard to believe that a hollowed-out horn was the only option at one point! "Technology" didn't find itself in the hearing aid industry until the late 1800's with the telephone as inspiration. It wasn't until the late 1900's that the technology was able to fit into something that only fit on your ear versus a device with wires you had to clip on your pants.
Technology has been advancing so quickly since the end of the 20th century that the hearing aids of today are virtually invisible and have very few limitations on the levels of customization.
10 hearing aid facts that may surprise you
- Digital hearing aids can be programmed using your computer and can tailor the settings to your exact, unique needs. New digital technology allows you to take phone calls and hear the TV right through your devices on top of many other cool features.
- Hearing aids are more adjustable than ever. They can make the distinction between speech and background noise. When combined with special induction loops, hearing aids can accurately pick up announcements in crowded places and subtract the background noise and frequency distortions. These adjustable features are also available on your smartphone to a certain extent.
- Programming allows hearing aids to auto-adjust to memory based on your setting. This enables the hearing aid to automatically revert to your most comfortable setting. The settings are based on your previous use and real-time interactions with the environment.
- You have battery choices. Digital hearing aids are compatible with rechargeable technology. Disposable batteries can be used if needed.
- Two hearing aids are better than one, even if you’ve only lost your hearing in one ear. Remember sounds come from every direction. Two hearing aids increase your ability to detect which direction a sound is coming from, which can be lifesaving in certain situations, like crossing a busy street.
- Wearing hearing aids is different from putting on a pair of prescription glasses. Hearing aids don’t always work effectively right away. Usually, an audiologist won’t set your hearing aid to full prescription at the beginning, but rather they allow you time to adjust so you don’t feel overwhelmed. It can take up to three visits to get your hearing aids completely tuned in.
- Hearing aids take time to get used to. Your brain might not be used to distinguishing between which sounds are important and which aren’t. Just like trying to establish a new habit will take time, so does the habit of using your hearing aids.
- Tell your hearing provider you'd like to take the hearing aids for a test drive. The Union Plus Hearing program, in partnership with Amplifon, offers a 60-day, no-risk trial period with a 100% money-back guarantee if the hearing aids are not the right fit for you.
- Hearing aids can help reduce the symptoms of tinnitus, a condition generally experienced with noises or ringing in the ears or head. Some hearing aids provide a kind of ‘masking’ effect for tinnitus, allowing you to hear sounds more naturally.
- Hearing aids might slow down cognitive decline in the elderly. When you can’t hear properly, you are less engaged, and when you’re not engaged, there tends to be an increase in cognitive decline. It stands to reason that when hearing aids boost your confidence to take part in conversations and engage with people, they will help slow down mental decline.
If you have questions about the technology available today and what the best options are for you, schedule an appointment with a provider today.
At Union Plus we ensure our members are supported by providing the premier products, services and education that will help them maintain a high quality of life. Hearing loss is a degenerative condition and cannot be reversed, but it can be treated. If you or a member of your family have been experiencing any of these symptoms, schedule a comprehensive hearing exam today.