My experience as a first-time hearing aid user
A couple of months ago, as autumn was just beginning, and all things seemed possible, I created a Fall Possibilities list. I started out strong and then got busy and lost track…as we humans tend to do. Still, it is a possibilities list and not a to-do list…and some of those possibilities have become reality…so I’m feeling okay about where I am.
I plan to share a complete update nearer the end of fall, and I have high hopes of accomplishing a few more items on the list before then. For today, I’d like to share my progress on one item in particular: Look into hearing aids.
As I noted when I set this possibility, my hearing isn’t terrible. If we were sitting across from each other, speaking at a normal volume, no problem…but lower your voice to a whisper, and your secret is definitely safe with me, as I’ll have no idea what you said. I also struggle with the television at times, particularly when there is background music combined with soft voices…which means I miss some of the most dramatic moments.
With this in mind, I was interested in improving my situation, but was somewhat hesitant to try hearing aids. It’s not that I’m too proud or even the outrageous prices that gave me pause. (And the prices are outrageous; luckily my health insurance recently added a benefit for hearing aids.) I was more concerned that I would be sacrificing comfort and convenience.
My concerns about hearing aids
- That they would be uncomfortable. I don’t like to wear ear plugs or ear buds for any length of time, so I assumed wearing hearing aids all the time would be even worse.
- That they wouldn’t be effective. My specific concern was that hearing aids would just amplify all noise, including background noises, and not necessarily make conversations more clear.
- That they would require a lot of fuss. I was picturing my mother’s hearing aids…needing to be turned up or down with a tiny hard-to-manage switch, squealing if you got too close to her ear, and requiring frequent battery changes.
The hearing test and consultation
After doing some research and confirming that my hearing aid benefit includes a 60-day return policy, I decided to schedule a consultation with an audiologist. I was told to plan for two hours and to bring someone with a familiar voice. My husband agreed to come along with me, and we were pleased that the appointment actually took one hour, rather than the two we had scheduled.
The appointment started with a brief discussion about what I was experiencing with my hearing. Then the audiologist conducted a more objective hearing test. Step one involved me wearing a pair of noise-cancelling headphones, listening for beeps of various frequencies and volumes, and pushing a button whenever I heard one. Next my husband was given a list of words to read. After each one, I was to repeat what I heard. The words on the list were words that could be easily confused with similar sounding ones (e.g., cake/cape).
Once the test was complete, we reviewed the results. I was not surprised to learn that I did have some hearing loss, particularly in the higher-pitched frequencies, meaning I can hear men’s voices better than most women’s and adult’s voices better than children’s. Also, my left ear is slightly worse than my right ear. The audiologist said that while my hearing loss isn’t profound, it can be improved, and that using hearing aids now will keep the nerve endings stimulated and thus slow future hearing loss.
Finally, we discussed my concerns, as listed above. Based on all of that information, the audiologist recommended a couple of hearing aid options. Of course, the most expensive ones were the most appealing. Isn’t that always the case?
Anyway, I decided to order them, confident that I could return them if I wasn’t happy.
The hearing aid fitting and programming
Skip ahead two weeks, and I went in for the fitting and training. This appointment took roughly 30 minutes. An assistant to the audiologist showed me how to put the hearing aids in and programmed them to a low setting that will be gradually increased every two weeks until we reach an optimum level. She compared it to starting a new prescription drug, where they begin with the lowest dose and gradually increase it as your body adjusts.
She had me load the accompanying app on my phone and showed me how to use it to adjust volume, balance, and direction, if necessary. There is even a mask mode…one I hope I won’t need anytime soon, but may be helpful considering recent escalating COVID rates. She assured me that for the most part, I could just insert the hearing aids and forget about them. She also showed me how to connect my hearing aids to my iPhone with Bluetooth, so they act as earbuds.
My experience wearing hearing aids
So after one week, here’s what I’ve discovered concerning my initial fears:
- The hearing aids are not as intrusive as standard earplugs or earbuds. The largest part of the device sits behind my ear, and I can’t even feel it. A thin clear wire connects that piece to a smaller one that goes inside the ear canal. I won’t say I don’t feel them at all, but they’re much less noticeable than I expected and not particularly uncomfortable.
- The technology of these hearing aids is amazing in that they can distinguish between background noise and conversation and sharpen the voices. The one thing I initially noticed was a soft rustling noise when I moved my head. The aid told me it was my hair brushing against the microphone and that my brain would soon get used to that and tune it out. I was skeptical, but she was right. I still have to be careful when putting on my sunglasses or readers that I gently set the ear pieces down and don’t just push them on.
- The hearing aids are low-maintenance. To date, I haven’t had to adjust the volume; they never squeal; and they contain rechargeable batteries. I just put them in the charger each night before I go to bed, and they are ready to go in the morning. I really love that they automatically act as earbuds for phone calls, music, and videos on my iPhone.
If you have been wondering whether you should try hearing aids, I would encourage you to do some research and visit with an audiologist. You may be pleasantly surprised at what you learn.
Your turn
- Do you wear hearing aids? Any complaints or concerns?
- Does your health insurance cover hearing aids?
- What is something you hesitated to try, but are now glad you did?
- What else is on your mind? Anything at all; I just love to hear from you.
Photo source: iStock
this is a really cool update! I’m glad you’ve been pleased with the experience so far. I know getting hearing aids can be scary and overwhelming for most people, but I love that you put your quality of life above your hesitations and made it happen! ❤️
Thanks Liz. Like anything new (glasses, contacts, etc.), they take a little bit of care and getting used to, but it was a much easier process than I feared going in.
Wow. I am impressed with how your experience has been Christie! Whilst I think I am yet to need these, but will if required, the tech updates to these aids sounds amazing. Sadly I have too many memories of my poor late Mum whose hearing was very bad because of a few reasons & her total frustration. Your update is very positive! Thank you
I know what you mean, Denyse. My mother and mother-in-law both had the older model hearing aids, and while they were beneficial, there were a number of frustrations with them. That was the main reason I hesitated to get them before my hearing had gotten too bad, but I have been pleasantly surprised.
Hi Christie – this was fantastic information because I have similar concerns + I worry that they’ll make me look like an even older lady! I hate earplugs and I worried about noise filtering etc and the COST! I’ve definitely noticed that my hearing is not as good as it once was, but I’m hoping to put them off a little longer.
I’d love you to do another update down the track with some photos of the hearing aids and of you wearing them up close etc. Also how much difference they’re making to your life – I do like the idea of pairing them to my phone or laptop as earbuds….
Thanks for the suggestion, Leanne. I will definitely provide an update with the requested photos. Appearance was not a major concern for me, because my hair typically covers my ears entirely. However, I do pull my hair into a ponytail when I am physically active, including going to the gym and on walks and hikes.
I’m pretty sure I would benefit from hearing aids. I like to watch TV with CC so I don’t miss anything. Also, I often confuse similar words, which can make things have very different meanings and be pretty funny at girls dinner! 😂 But can be frustrating sometimes too. I’m proud of you for going for it and thanks for the information sis.
You’re welcome Cindy. We will miss the reduction of “Cindyisms” if you get hearing aids, but I think you would like them.
Christie, thank you for such a detailed update – really useful. Both my parents had hearings aids, and mostly refused to wear them. To be fair, my Dad already had dementia by then, so not entirely unexpected on his part.
Himself has extreme hearing sensitivity, and I’ve no idea if hearing aids could assist this. He’s deeply adverse engaging with any form of medical care – so far, so stereotypically male! 😉
I can relate to your experience with your parents and hearing aids. My mother was virtually deaf without hers, so she always wore them, but she definitely had some frustrations with them. Good luck with Himself getting any medical care, including with an audiologist! 😁
Fascinating. Thanks for sharing your experience. I’m not to the point of needing them yet, but when I do I’ll feel confident dong so.
I would definitely recommend trying hearing aids, Ally, if the day comes when you notice your hearing fading. In the meantime, enjoy every body function that still works as it was meant to! 😂
Christie, Thank you for sharing your experience. I’m glad your concerns were addressed and the hearing aids are serving you well. This is good to know in the event I need them in the future. #WWWHIMSY
Yes, Natalie, if the time comes your hearing needs a little boost, I would definitely recommend giving hearing aids a try.
Hubby got hearing aids about a year ago now. I went along on the appointments, so understood what you went through – I was the familiar voice for him. While at his second appointment (the fitting) the audiologist gave me a quick review on my hearing (the tones part) and I’m not yet in the range that would need hearing aids. Hubby took three tries to get a set of hearing aids that felt comfortable to wear for him; he wanted the “in the ear” kind since he wears glasses. But it has definitely helped him hear things better. I also know to be in the same room and facing him when talking…because training me as well was part of his “better hearing”!
Hearing aids with glasses can be a little tricky. Since I have an aversion to things down in my ears, and I don’t wear glasses full-time, I decided to compromise with the over-the ear hearing aids. I hope your hubby adjusts well to his hearing aids.
I got hearing aids a few months ago and i am still adjusting. I have menieres so that probably doesn’t help. I hear lots of extraneous sounds and i find wearing them uncomfortable. And my tinnitus has become worse. ANd i still can’t hear some people even if sitting right next to them. Sorry this sounds like a total whinge! I know that it’s best to use them as it helps your brain work. Dementia of course being a possible result of hearing loss. So very important to wear them often! :=)
I’m sorry to hear that you are struggling with your hearing aids, Sherry. I recognize that my situation is less complicated than many. My mother also had Meniere’s disease, and in addition to the hearing loss, she struggled with balance issues and headaches as a result. Good luck to you. I hope you are able to find the best solution for your circumstances.
thanks christie. It’s not easy for sure, this getting old(er) business :=)
Getting older is not for wimps, is it Sherry? It sure beats the alternative though!
So interesting to hear of your experience with hearing aids Christie. I don’t have any but my brother wears them. My kids keep telling me I have the TV up too loud. It doesn’t seem loud to me! But then when I get my eyes tested they also test my hearing and my hearing is always AOK. So I’m not sure what to think. Have a wonderful weekend and thanks so much for linking your post up with #WWWhimsy
That’s funny about the TV and your kids. The thing is sometimes I think my husband has the TV up too loud, and I’m the one with the hearing problem! I hope you have a wonderful weekend as well. Thanks again for hosting #WWWhimsy.
Pleased you have had such a positive experience. I think hearing aids have come a long way in recent years both in terms of how they look and how they perform.
I agree that hearing aids have come a long way, Sammie. Technology can be a good thing.
Thanks for discussing this, Christie. I know I have some hearing loss, but how much, I can’t say. All I know is that background noise is becoming more and more of a factor in being able to just listen to one person. Even when watching a movie or TV show, if the background music on the show is too loud, it totally ruins the scene for me because I can’t hear what the actors are saying! I’m going to say that is what experiencing too many loud concerts in the 80’s has gotten me in the 2020’s. The most fascinating part of this (well, it was all fascinating), but I didn’t know that using hearing aids for minimal hearing loss now can slow down further hearing loss. I don’t think I have that in my insurance plan but will definitely check it out. Glad you’ve had a really good experience with this! Mona
You’re welcome, Mona. It sounds like your experience with hearing loss is similar to mine. It would probably be worth at least meeting with an audiologist to see what they have to say. Good luck!
For several years, I wore just one hearing aid, as I’d had sudden hearing loss in my right ear and tinnitus. My doctor said using a hearing aid would calm the tinnitus and she was right. A little over a year ago, my audiologist talked me into getting an aid for my left ear, saying something like what you heard – it will keep my hearing from getting worse. They’ve had to be adjusted, as initially, my tinnitus was no longer calmed. It required changes to how they coordinate with each other. This is also when I got aids that are charged at night. Mine was already connected to my phone. I have to admit, I haven’t yet set things up so they work like earbuds. Although, when my phone rings, I get a beep in my ear before my phone even rings!!
The only thing I don’t like is not being able to push my hair behind my ears. It really bugs me when I can’t keep my hair from hanging in my face. But I guess that’s a small price to pay.
They work relatively well but I still have trouble comprehending certain voices, one being my husband’s. I swear he mumbles all the time. I also have trouble with TV, especially since the volume goes up and down so much with commercials and other scenes.
Hearing aids are good but they don’t make hearing perfect again. I have no insurance so this was a big hit for me. But necessary.
I don’t have tinnitus, Linda, but I found it very interesting how that was affected by your hearing aids–having one and then two. I admit I still have to ask my husband to repeat himself on occasion, and I too blame it on his mumbling. I’m standing by that! I also hope it will improve as they adjust my hearing aids over time. They are turned quite low to begin with. Still, I’m sure you are right that hearing aids don’t make hearing perfect, so I’ll settle for much improved. Thank you for sharing your experience.
Hi Christie, this was good to read about your experiences, so many thanks for sharing especially the initial rustling noises. I think I’m heading that way as I’ve been seeing an audiologist every few years and my hearing is deteriorating slowly! Thanks again.
You are welcome, Debbie. When the time comes for you, I hope you have as good an experience with hearing aids as I have.