17 Oct 2024
Hearing aids are technological devices that have made tremendous strides in recent years. Yet, many myths persist about them, sometimes preventing those affected from fully benefiting from these devices. Let’s explore together the most common misconceptions and the reality behind them.
Myth #1: Hearing aids are ugly and noticeable
Reality: Hearing aids have evolved considerably in terms of design and size. Today, there are almost invisible in-the-ear models and discreet and aesthetic behind-the-ear models. Manufacturers offer a wide range of colors and finishes to suit all styles.
Myth #2: Hearing aids are expensive
Reality: While purchasing a hearing aid is an investment, many financing solutions exist to make this purchase more affordable. Social security, complementary insurance, and specific grants can cover a significant portion of the cost. Additionally, audiologists often offer personalized financing solutions.
Myth #3: Hearing aids don’t work
Reality: Modern hearing aids are powerful devices capable of amplifying sounds and reducing background noise. They are equipped with advanced technologies that allow for precise customization to meet the needs of each user. Of course, it is important to choose the model adapted to your type of hearing loss and to follow the audiologist’s advice for optimal use.
Myth #4: Hearing aids make your ear lazy
Reality: Quite the opposite! Wearing a hearing aid stimulates the ear and helps maintain auditory functions. By depriving the ear of sound stimulation, you are more likely to see its auditory capabilities deteriorate more rapidly.
Myth #5: Hearing aids are reserved for the elderly
Reality: Hearing loss can affect people of all ages, including children and young adults. Hearing aids are tools suitable for all ages and can significantly improve quality of life.
Conclusion
Hearing aids are no longer the bulky and unattractive devices of the past. They have become discreet and powerful tools, capable of transforming the daily lives of millions of people. If you have any doubts or questions, do not hesitate to consult an audiologist. They will be able to advise you and guide you in choosing the solution best suited to your needs.
25 Sep 2024
Why can adaptation take time?
- The brain must adapt: Our brain needs time to get used to this new input of sound information. It must relearn how to process and interpret sounds that had become familiar in their absence or distortion.
- Sounds are amplified: Hearing aids amplify sounds, including those we no longer hear or notice. This can create a feeling of overstimulation at first.
- New sounds appear: Environmental noises, like wind noise or rustling clothes, may seem louder and more distinct. This can be confusing at first.
- Own voice may sound different: The perception of our own voice may change with a hearing aid, because we will hear it differently through the device.
Tips to make adaptation easier
- Wear your hearing aid regularly: The more you wear them, the quicker your brain will get used to them.
- Start gradually: Start by wearing your hearing aid for a few hours a day and gradually increase the duration.
- Be patient: Adaptation may take several weeks or even months.
- Talk to your hearing care professional: Do not hesitate to contact your hearing care professional if you encounter any difficulties or have any questions.
In summary
Adapting to a hearing aid is an individual process that can take time. It is important to remember that these sensations are normal and will gradually subside. With time and patience, you will be able to reap the full benefits of your new hearing.
9 Aug 2024
- Better localization of sounds
Allows you to better reconize and clearly locate sound sources and sources of danger, which is, for example, necessary to determine the direction of an approaching car.
Ambient and background noise can interfere with concentration. Wearing two hearing aids will help you concentrate better on conversations while forgetting background noise.
Wearing hearing aids on the left and the right allows the sound to be better balanced on each side. This guarantees better perception of noise and, more generally, better acoustic comfort.
- The importance of acting quickly
We want an optimal hearing aids fitting. If one of the ear is not fitted, speech understanding continues to weaken in that ear and can only be recovered slowly.
In conclusion, two ears are better than one.
10 Jul 2024
Hearing aids play a crucial role for children with hearing loss.
Here is an overview of the important aspects to consider…
Hearing loss in a child can be detected very early in the child’s development by a Neonatal screening test or Pediatric hearing test: see the article on hearing tests in children (June article).
Parents and family must be informed and trained to support the child on a daily basis and in their learning. The sooner hearing loss is detected, the sooner the child will adapt.
There is of course collaboration with teachers to ensure that the child benefits from a suitable learning environment, either through preferential placement, or the wearing of a specific adapted system.
Benefits and Challenges
Benefits: Improved communication, language development, and social integration.
Challenges: Device acceptance, managing settings and maintenance, and sometimes social stigma.
Now with Bluetooth connectivity: Allows you to connect hearing aids to devices like smartphones and tablets for better access to hearing resources. The child will have to have regular audiological follow-ups to ensure that the fit of the hearing aids is adequate at all times.
In short, hearing aids offer valuable assistance for the development of hearing-impaired children. Early diagnosis, rigorous follow-up, and comprehensive support are essential to maximize the benefits of hearing aids.
*An evaluation by an audioprosthesist is required to determine if the hearing aid is suitable for the patient’s needs.
