What can I expect after getting hearing aids?

Article written and provided by Jessica Landucci, Au.D., CCC-A, at St. Cloud ENT

Jessica Landucci, Au.D., CCC-A, at St. Cloud ENT. Contributed photo

Patients often ask whether wearing hearing aids will make their hearing worse over time. The good news is that when hearing aids are properly evaluated, fit and programmed specifically for an individual’s hearing loss, they do not cause further damage to hearing. In fact, hearing aids are designed to amplify sounds comfortably and safely.

When you first begin wearing hearing aids, you may notice many sounds that you have not heard clearly in a long time. Everyday noises such as footsteps, rustling paper, running water or soft speech sounds may suddenly become more noticeable. This can feel surprising or even overwhelming at first, but it is a normal part of the adjustment process. Over time, your brain relearns how to interpret these sounds.

When the hearing aids are removed, it can seem as though your hearing has worsened. This feeling occurs because you are no longer hearing the soft sounds and speech details that are audible with amplification. Your brain quickly adapts to the improved sound input provided by hearing aids, which makes the contrast more noticeable when amplification is absent.

It is also important to understand that hearing loss often progresses gradually over time due to aging or other factors. Any future changes in hearing will occur whether or not hearing aids are worn. However, choosing not to wear hearing aids reduces the amount of sound stimulation sent to the brain and may cause the ability to understand speech—especially in noisy environments—to decline more rapidly.

Early intervention with properly fit hearing aids can provide many benefits. These include improved communication, reduced listening effort, greater social engagement and an overall better quality of life. Research also shows that treating hearing loss may help reduce feelings of loneliness, lower the risk of falls and decrease anxiety and depression.

Find out more

St. Cloud ENT is located at 1528 Northway Drive in St. Cloud. If you are interested in learning more about hearing health, please call St. Cloud ENT at (320) 252-0233 and schedule a visit with one of our audiologists.