Do These Hearing Aids Make My Ears Look Fat?
Typically, when I discuss hearing aids with a patient, I am asked two questions:
“What do hearing aids look like?” and “How much are they going to cost me?”
Both of these questions are addressed during a no-cost Hearing Aid Evaluation at the Riesberg Institute.
However, what hearing aids look like is not what patients are really asking me…the question really is
“Will anyone realize I am wearing hearing aids?”
- The answer is probably not…. Most people do not go around looking in, or at, other people’s ears (well, except audiologists). What people do notice is
- When they have called your name several times before you respond
- When you answer the question, or respond inappropriately, because you misheard what was said
- When you are smiling and nodding and faking that you can hear
- When you are always saying “Huh?” “What?” “Can you repeat?”
- When you get names, dates, facts wrong because you did not hear correctly
- When it looks like you are ignoring them, or daydreaming, when really you just did not realize they were talking to you
- When the TV is too loud or when you are always asking “What’d they say?” while watching TV
- You withdraw from activities you used to enjoy
Hearing health is directly related to overall health and well-being. Studies show that untreated hearing loss can have a negative impact on your health and cognition; even resulting in stress, depression, isolation, and reduced earning power. Treating hearing loss, through the use of hearing aids, can often change your life for the better. When you are able to hear and engage with the world around you, you live a happier and healthier life.
Hearing better will help you feel more confident and others will notice that you are more involved!
I’m Always HEAR For You,
Dr. Star