When you first think of hearing aids, you might wonder if they can really help you and improve the hearing loss you experience on a daily basis. After all, aren’t hearing aids just a way to make the sound around you louder? 

This might be a common idea, but it’s an incorrect one. Modern hearing aids are much more than amplifiers; they are technologically advanced pieces of equipment that can drastically help someone who has hearing loss be able to hear better. Here’s how they can help. 

Amplify sounds 

It’s true that we have already said a hearing aid isn’t just an amplifier for the ear. Although there is more than a hearing aid can do, its main function really is to amplify sounds. This means that someone who experiences hearing loss can have that loss greatly improved when they wear a hearing aid. Subtle sounds around the home become much easier to distinguish, making independent living more achievable. 

Filter out background sounds 

One way that hearing aids can help you is by filtering out background sounds. This means that sounds in the foreground – the sounds you want to hear such as someone talking or the TV or radio – are clearer. If you have moderate hearing loss, this can be a huge help, allowing you to understand more of what is going on around you, and being less distracted by background sounds. 

More confidence 

In terms of how a hearing aid can help you other than allowing you to hear more sounds, there are several benefits to consider. One of them, and something that is extremely important, is more confidence. If you have hearing loss you might find it hard to go out as you will worry about engaging in conversation or appearing rude to those around you who don’t know about your hearing loss. It can make simple chores such as heading to the grocery store a challenge, let alone larger social situations such as parties and other events. 

When you have a hearing aid to assist you, you can gain confidence because you will know you’ll be able to hear everything happening around you. From a friendly greeting in a store to a long conversation at a party, your confidence will soar when wearing a hearing aid. 

Slow cognitive decline 

Studies have been carried out that show a distinct link between hearing loss and cognitive decline. Untreated, hearing loss can increase your risk of developing dementia and other cognitive impairments. 

Clearly, if this is the case, wearing hearing aids to correct your hearing loss must have some positive impact on cognitive decline, slowing it or even preventing it altogether. While we still don’t know the full reasons behind why someone might develop dementia, if there is anything, we can do to prevent it as far as possible from what we do know, it’s important to do it –wearing a hearing aid is a solution.