There are some questions our audiologists hear more than others, but one has been coming up more frequently lately. Many patients worry whether or not hearing aids can actually cause hearing loss. It is a legitimate concern, but the truth is – no.
As long as your hearing aids have been properly programmed for your specific hearing needs, they will actually keep your hearing sharper and could even help to delay your hearing loss progression over time. The reason that so many people think that there could be a decrease in their hearing after wearing hearing aids is a perceptual issue. It’s all in your head – Or at least in your brain.
The Hearing Loss Perception
There are millions of Americans who could benefit from hearing aids but who don’t wear them yet. On average, experts state that a person will wait between seven to ten years before seeking help from an audiologist. During that time, your hearing acuity will continue to decline. The brain will become accustomed to hearing loss and will start to think it is normal. This is why the volume and clarity of sounds can oftentimes seem abnormal when you begin wearing hearing aids.
Over time, your brain relearns to accept certain sounds and your hearing aids will begin to seem more normal. It’s just a new normal. Once you try to hear without them, your hearing loss will seem much more noticeable. It is then that people think the hearing aids have worsened their hearing, but that is not the case. Things will sound muted without the hearing aids – and they are! Just like your eyes need to adjust to light or darkness, your ears need to adjust to wearing hearing devices.
Why should you seek the help of an audiologist?
A properly fitted hearing aid will make all the difference. It is important to protect your eardrums by having the device fit and programmed correctly. Obviously, hearing aids will amplify sounds, and loud noise can be dangerous unless they’re programmed the right way. Everyone has different levels of hearing needs so our audiologists will work with you to find the perfect level to help you hear as naturally as possible. Once you have worn them for a while, we can always make adjustments as necessary.
A properly fitted hearing aid is one of the best investments you can make to improve the quality of your life. Don’t wait – and if you have other questions, we would be happy to answer those, too!
