Hearing loss is a common problem affecting thousands of people in Singapore. Those who suffer from hearing loss may struggle to understand conversations, have difficulty in noisy environments, and even miss out on important words or sounds. Hearing aids are devices that can help those who suffer from hearing loss.
Read more: Hearing Loss in Singapore.
People who need hearing aids typically experience difficulty with one or more of the basic tasks which will be discussed further in this article. Therefore, if you’re struggling with any of these tasks, it may be time to consider getting a hearing aid.
Are Hearing Aids as Good as Normal Hearing
Hearing aids are not intended to restore normal hearing and, unfortunately, no hearing aid can do that. They cannot replace a healthy ear but they can help you interact with those who have normal hearing more effectively.
Once you have a hearing aid, it can take some time to adjust to the sound quality and volume. However, after adjusting, many people who use hearing aids report improved quality of life and better communication with those around them.
Hearing aids are designed to amplify sounds that are normally too soft for people who suffer from hearing loss. The amplification will depend on the type of hearing loss and degree of severity. While they don’t fully restore natural hearing levels, they can improve your ability to communicate effectively with others.
It’s important to remember that no two individuals may respond in exactly the same way to treatment with a hearing aid device – there can be variability in how well someone responds given their individual characteristics and lifestyle factors.
How Do You Know if You Need a Hearing Aid
People who need hearing aids typically experience difficulty with one or more of these five basic tasks: discriminating speech in background noise; understanding speech at a distance; understanding high-pitched sounds (such as birds chirping); detecting spoken warnings at work or home (such as smoke alarms); and participating in conversations without having to ask for frequent repetitions or clarifications.
Other signs include:
- Asking people to repeat themselves.
- Having trouble understanding conversation in a group setting.
- Withdrawing from social activities.
- Feeling tired or stressed from trying to listen.
- Frequently saying “huh?” or “what?”.
However, the best way to determine whether you might benefit from a hearing aid is to have your hearing tested by an audiometrist. Your audiometrist can assess the type and degree of hearing loss, as well as any underlying medical conditions that may be contributing to your difficulty in hearing. We recommend seeing an audiometrist who specializes in fitting and programming hearing aids.
Read more: Types of Hearing Aids.
They will work with you on selecting the most suitable device for you, based on your lifestyle needs and budget. So if you think you could benefit from a hearing aid or if you’re having difficulties understanding conversations, then it may be time to book an appointment with an audiometrist for a thorough assessment.
Is It Worth Getting a Hearing Aid for Mild Hearing Loss
If your hearing loss is mild, you may still benefit from using a hearing aid. Many people who experience mild to moderate hearing loss can already benefit from the amplified sound waves and improved clarity of conversation that a hearing aid can provide.
That said, each individual’s experience with a hearing aid will vary based on their lifestyle needs and personal preferences. So it’s best to consult an audiometrist who specializes in fitting and programming hearing aids – they can help you determine if you could benefit from wearing one.
It’s also important to remember that there is no “one size fits all” solution for everyone with hearing loss, either due to sensorineural hearing loss or conductive hearing loss, so make sure to find out what the best option for your individual needs is before making a decision.
Does Your Hearing Get Worse if You Don’t Wear Hearing Aid
It is important to remember that hearing aids cannot restore normal hearing levels, but they can help improve communication and provide a better quality of life for those who suffer from hearing loss.
However, if you do not wear your hearing aid or have it adjusted regularly by an audiometrist who specializes in fitting and programming them, then your hearing may get worse over time.
This is because untreated hearing loss can cause long-term damage to the auditory pathways in the brain. So make sure to take care of your device and follow up with regular appointments with your audiometrist to keep it functioning properly and maintain its effectiveness.
Which Hearing Aid Is Best for You in Singapore
It is clear that if you do not wear hearing aids, your hearing will get worse over time. The good news is that wearing hearing aids can help preserve your hearing and improve your quality of life.
J Glasses & Hearing, the leading provider of hearing aids in Singapore, offers free hearing tests to determine the best type of hearing aid for you. Contact us today to book an appointment and start improving your quality of life!
