Using hearing aids will not accelerate hearing loss, provided they are properly fitted and programmed correctly for your level of hearing.
When someone first begins wearing hearing aids they begin to hear all the sounds they were missing out on before hearing aids. When they remove their hearing aids, they notice how much less they can hear. The effect is so noticeable it can seem like the hearing aids have actually accelerated some hearing loss. But this perception is illusory and there’s a logical reason behind this phenomenon.
Hearing loss is gradual and most people don’t really realize it’s happening for years. The brain is remarkable in its ability to compensate, at least until the loss becomes too great. Because this occurs over a long period of time, people aren’t aware of how many sounds they can no longer really hear. When someone first gets hearing aids, they are suddenly exposed to all the missing sounds. At first it’s new and delightful, then it becomes their ‘new normal’, ie. they adjust quickly to better hearing. Removing hearing aids after this period, and suddenly losing access to all these sounds can make it seem like their hearing is actually worse, when really, it is just back to what it was before they got hearing aids.
So, take comfort. In most cases, hearing aids do not accelerate hearing loss. Sometimes hearing aids can cause issues if they are not properly fitted and programmed for your level of hearing loss. If they are programmed to be too loud, this can damage your hearing, just like loud noise levels can damage hearing in general.
So it’s very important to see a qualified audiologist in person. They will fit your hearing aids and programme them exactly for you. You should return for adjustments until they are comfortable and you are happy with them.
Puretone Hearing Clinic has decades of experience treating people with impaired hearing. We have skilled audiologists at each of our three locations ready to help. Contact us today to book an appointment or learn more about our hearing aid services.