Maintaining hearing health becomes more of a priority as we get older—it helps for a fulfilling and independent life. Hearing is an active sense we use every day—it helps us connect with family, be involved in social activities, or simply enjoy the sounds of daily life. As we age, though, there is a decrease in hearing sensitivity—this could be because of the natural aging process, environmental factors, or health-related concerns. This can lead to hearing conversations—especially in noisy places—or understanding certain sounds being challenging.
There is an increased awareness of hearing loss and its impact, and hearing devices (like hearing aids and implants) have become more accessible and effective than they used to be. Using these devices, though, requires a bit of practice and experience—choosing the right device, having it fit properly, and maintaining its quality are important.
The Importance of Hearing Health
As we become older, some degree of hearing loss is expected, but it’s good to understand the causes and prevention of hearing loss—it helps maintain ear health and prioritize prevention more than a cure or treatment.
Common causes of hearing loss
- Age-related hearing loss (Presbycusis): This is one of the most common causes—the sensory cells that are in the inner ear gradually lose their function over time. This is what leads to a decrease in hearing sensitivity, and this type of hearing loss commonly affects both ears equally.
- Noise-induced hearing loss: Being exposed to loud sounds over time, such as music, industrial noise, and traffic, can cause hearing damage. In fact, even a one-time exposure to extremely loud sounds can contribute to hearing loss.
- Health conditions and medications: Some medical conditions like diabetes, hypertension, or heart disease can lead to hearing loss. Also, some medications, especially those used to treat conditions like cancer or infection, can affect the auditory system.
- Genetics: Some people may have a genetic predisposition to hearing loss, which can affect them even at an early age.
Preventive measures for hearing health
- Limit exposure to loud noises: Try your best to avoid prolonged exposure to loud sounds. If you are in a noisy environment, use ear protection like earplugs or earmuffs.
- Routine hearing check-ups: It’s important to schedule regular hearing tests—they can detect early signs of hearing loss, which allows for timely intervention and treatment.
- Healthy lifestyle choices: Make sure that you eat a balanced diet, involve yourself in regular physical activity, and manage chronic conditions like hypertension and diabetes, all of which help preserve hearing health.
Understanding Hearing Devices and How They Help
Hearing devices like hearing aids and cochlear implants are designed to amplify the sound for those using them—it makes the sounds easier to hear. There are different types of hearing aids that are ideal for different types of needs, preferences, and also levels of hearing loss. These devices have advanced technology that allows them to adapt to different environments, help in improving speech clarity, and also reduce background noise.
Types of hearing devices
- Behind-the-Ear (BTE) hearing aids: These are placed behind the ear and are connected to a custom earpiece—they are used for moderate to severe hearing loss and have a range of advanced features.
- In-the-Ear (ITE) hearing aids: These are placed inside the ear canal, making them less visible—they are used for mild to moderate hearing loss.
- Receiver-in-Canal (RIC) hearing aids: These are placed behind the ear but have a smaller receiver that is placed inside the ear canal—this allows for a discreet appearance and natural sound quality.
- Cochlear implants: For those with severe hearing loss who haven’t seen results with other hearing aids, cochlear implants are given—they bypass the damaged portions of the ear and directly stimulate the auditory nerve.
Selecting the right hearing device
- Degree of hearing loss: There are hearing aids that help with mild, moderate, and severe hearing loss—it’s important to speak to a doctor to understand what type of hearing loss you have and which device will help you the most.
- Lifestyle needs: There are hearing devices that have different features that work for the lifestyle you lead—such as Bluetooth compatibility for streaming audio from phones or advanced noise cancellation for busy environments.
- Cosmetic preferences: Many people prefer hearing aids that are discreet or even virtually invisible—ITE or RIC hearing aids are commonly the preferred choice.
Comfortable Use of Hearing Devices
Getting the right fit
Having the right fit is important for both comfort and sound quality—if a hearing device does not fit right, it can be uncomfortable, give feedback noise, or have ineffective amplification of sound. The best way to make sure you have the right fit is to talk to an audiologist—they will take precise measurements and do a hearing test to make sure your device is programmed and fitted correctly.
- Custom molds: Some hearing aids need custom ear molds to make sure they are a good fit—they match the shape of your ear, which improves comfort and performance.
- Adjusting the device: Depending on what your hearing needs are, your audiologist may need to fine-tune your device to optimize sound clarity and comfort. They will also check the device for feedback or other issues.
Dealing with initial discomfort
It’s normal to feel some discomfort or mild irritation when first wearing hearing devices. Here are some tips:
- Start slowly: If you’re new to wearing hearing devices, start slowly—wear them for short amounts of time each day and then increase that to durations you become comfortable with.
- Moisturize your ears: Dry and irritated ears can be helped with a hypoallergenic ear lubricant—this will help the friction between the device and the ear canal.
- Consult your audiologist: If you’re still uncomfortable, then talk to your audiologist for adjustments. Sometimes a simple modification can cause common problems.
Maintaining your hearing device
- Clean regularly: When you’re cleaning your device, use a soft, dry cloth to wipe the device clean daily—make sure to brush out any debris from the ear mold or microphone area to prevent buildup.
- Avoid moisture: Keep your hearing device dry—don’t wear it in the shower or while swimming. Small tip: invest in a dehumidifier box to store your device overnight.
- Replace batteries: If your hearing device is battery-operated, change the batteries regularly. Rechargeable hearing aids should be fully charged overnight.
- Check-ups: Regularly take your hearing aid to an audiologist for cleaning, servicing, and adjustments.
Lifestyle Tips for Comfort and Clarity
Once your hearing device is properly fitted and maintained, integrating it into your daily life becomes a matter of forming new habits. Here are a few tips to help you maximize your hearing experience:
Social situations
For seniors, staying socially active is an important transition, but it can be difficult to take part in conversations, especially in noisy settings. Here are some ways to improve hearing during social interactions:
- Positioning: When you are in a group situation, sit in a place where you can clearly hear anyone speaking. Try to choose quieter environments.
- Ask for help: If you can’t hear people, don’t hesitate to ask them to speak slowly or more clearly.
- Use accessories: Many hearing aids come with additional accessories such as microphones or Bluetooth streaming, which can help with clarity in noisy environments.
Entertainment and media
Watching TV, listening to music, or enjoying movies can be much easier to hear with hearing aids that have features that help with media experiences—like direct streaming from televisions or smartphones. Here’s how to get the most out of your devices:
- TV streaming: You can choose to invest in a TV connector that streams sound directly to your hearing aids—this allows for clearer sound even in a noisy room.
- Music and audio: If you love music, you can use your hearing aid’s Bluetooth functionality to connect directly to your music player or phone for a better listening experience.
FAQs
How do I know if I need to have a hearing device?
If you find it hard to hear in conversations—especially in noisy places—or if you often ask for the volume to be turned up, you should get a hearing test done by an audiologist. They can help you understand if you need a hearing device and how it can help you.
Can I wear hearing aids when I am sleeping?
Doctors commonly recommend that you should remove your hearing devices while you are sleeping so your ears can get some rest. You can choose to wear them if you have problems with hearing things such as the alarm or phone calls.
My hearing aid is making a whistling sound; what should I do?
A whistling sound, or feedback as they call it, most commonly happens when the hearing device is not properly placed or if there is any buildup of earwax that is blocking the components of the device. Try to adjust the fit of your device and clean it; if you still have a problem with the whistling sound, speak to your audiologist.
When should I replace my hearing device?
Most commonly hearing devices last about 3-7 years, but it does depend on their type, how much they hve been used, and how well they are maintained.
