Gone are the days of big, awkward devices that only sometimes work and look embarrassing.
Today’s hearing aids are high-tech and do more than make sounds louder. They are also much smaller and less noticeable. Plus, people no longer feel embarrassed to wear them.
How common is hearing loss?
Hearing loss is a big health problem in the United States. About 48 million Americans have some level of hearing loss.
While one in three people over the age of 65 has hearing loss and the average age of people getting their first hearing aid is 70, it doesn’t just affect older people.
Younger people also have more hearing problems because of earbuds and headphones.
Almost 15% of kids aged six to 19 have hearing loss in at least one ear, and 5 out of every 1,000 newborns are born with hearing loss.
Benefits of Wearing Hearing Aids
The idea that hearing loss only affects older people is changing as experts keep learning about our ears.
Hearing aids do more than just make sounds louder so you can hear.
Wearing hearing aids can improve:
- Quality of life: You will enjoy talking with people more, hearing the TV better without making it too loud, and enjoying movies and theater.
- Social interaction: You won’t have to struggle to hear conversations or feel embarrassed about asking people to repeat themselves. Talking with others regularly also helps prevent loneliness, sadness, or anxiety.
- Tinnitus: Hearing aids can help with the ringing or buzzing in your ears. Some hearing aids have special programs to cover the noise and allow your brain focus on other sounds.
- Cognitive decline: Trying too hard to hear takes energy away from other parts of your brain. If parts of your brain aren’t used, they can shrink or die, leading to memory loss, dementia, or Alzheimer’s.
Hearing Aid Technology
Hearing aids today are much more than just tools to help you hear better.
Wireless hearing aids are now common, just like cordless headphones, making them seem more modern and advanced.
Today’s hearing aids have great new features such as:
- Microphones that pick up sounds from different directions
- Filters that reduce background noise
- Smaller and less noticeable designs
- Bluetooth to connect to smartphones, tablets, TVs, and navigation systems
- Music streaming
- Fitness tracking
- Call monitoring
Frequently Asked Questions
How do hearing aids work?
The hearing aid has a tiny microphone that picks up sounds from the environment. It captures various sounds, like people’s voices, music, and background noise. The sounds picked up by the microphone are sent to an amplifier. The amplifier makes the sounds louder and clearer.
After the sounds are amplified, they are sent to a very small speaker. The speaker directs the sounds into the person’s ear.
Do hearing aids give you full hearing?
No, hearing aids do not give you full hearing. They help people hear better by making sounds louder and clearer, but they cannot completely restore normal hearing. Hearing aids are especially useful for people with hearing loss because they make it easier to hear conversations and other important sounds. However, they do not work perfectly in all situations, and sometimes, background noise can still make it hard to hear.
How long do hearing aids last?
Hearing aids typically last about 3 to 7 years. Their lifespan can vary depending on how well they are cared for and how often they are used. Regular cleaning and maintenance can help extend their life. Over time, technological advancements might also make newer models more appealing, leading people to replace their hearing aids sooner.
Audiologists and Hearing Aids In NYC
Do you need to see an audiologist to see what hearing aid is best for you?
Audio Help Hearing Centers offer a wide selection of hearing aids fitted by expert audiologists with years of experience.
Audio Help Hearing Centers prides itself on delivering specialized hearing solutions in New York and various key locations.
Audio Help has three New York City offices conveniently located in Manhattan (Chelsea Village, Columbus Circle, and Park Avenue) and additional offices in Scarsdale, NY (Westchester County) and Stamford, CT.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation!
