The National Institutes of Health (NIH) estimates that only 20 percent of people who could benefit from hearing aids actually wear them. The reason many people with hearing loss choose not to follow through on their audiologist-recommended treatment may surprise you.
Lack of Confidence
Hearing aids barely resemble the devices worn by your parents and grandparents. The modern devices available today offer sleek designs, rechargeable batteries and Bluetooth compatibility to easily connect to your smartphone, television and other enabled devices.
Poor Fit
A properly fit hearing aid is just as important as selecting the right device for your type and degree of hearing loss. Poorly fit devices are uncomfortable and ineffective.
Lack of Commitment
Not being able to hear in specific situations is one of the reasons many choose to finally get a hearing aid. But only wearing your hearing aid during these special occasions, such as Sunday services or at large family events, won’t be effective.
Your brain needs time to make sense of the new signals it receives from your ear. Only wearing your hearing aids sporadically does not give your brain enough time to reacquaint itself to the sounds it has not heard in a while and acclimate to new listening environments.
No Longer Effective
If your hearing aids worked well in the beginning but no longer seem to provide an adequate level of amplification, it’s time to contact your audiologist. Hearing aids regularly come into contact with dirt and earwax. A good cleaning can give your hearing aids a new life.
Hearing loss can change over time. If you have not had your hearing tested since your first fitting, schedule an appointment. With a few adjustments based on your current degree of hearing loss, your hearing aid will work good as new.
Benefits of Hearing Aids
Treating your hearing loss does more than improve your ability to hear. Wearing hearing aids has been proven to improve:
- Mental health
- Physical health
- Cognitive health
- Balance
- Ability to focus
- Capacity to learn
- Earning power
Treating your hearing loss is important for your physical and mental health. Schedule an appointment with an expert at Audiology Center Northwest today.