Will Hearing Aids Cause Damage to Your Hearing?

This is a question that is frequently asked. Some people say that after wearing hearing aids for a couple of weeks, they notice that the ability to hear without their device is more challenging than before they started wearing them. This is all based on one’s perception. Wearing hearing aids has actually been proven to preserve and sharpen the hearing abilities that you still have while delaying the natural progression of hearing loss.  

Why Do Some People Believe that Hearing Aids are Harmful?

After wearing hearing aids for a few weeks, you become accustomed to how much better you can hear while wearing them. When you remove them, there is a noticeable difference. You may feel as though your natural hearing abilities have worsened, but forgot just how bad your hearing was before you started using hearing aids.

Hearing loss is a gradual process. Most people wait between seven to ten years before they decide to get any help for their hearing loss. During this time, their hearing will get worse and the brain shifts to accommodate their new way of hearing. Your brain will start to recognize this level of hearing as normal - so you won’t immediately notice the difference.

As a new hearing aid user, your brain will need to adapt to new sound levels and relearn to recognize sounds that you may have not heard in years. Initially, the volume and clarity may sound harsh, but after your brain acclimates to them, and you remove your hearing aids, you will notice a stark contrast in your hearing loss.

This experience is similar to being in a dark room for a while, switching a light on, and having your eyes adjust to the light. You can see things, even if they are only shapes and colors. Then, after you emerge from the dark room or switch the light on, it will seem too bright because your eyes need to adjust. After they do, your vision becomes clearer. If you turn the lights off and stand in a dark room, you can’t see any shapes or colors. Your vision hasn’t worsened, instead, your brain and eyes took the time to adjust to the dark. This is the same case with your ears and wearing hearing aids.

A Proper Fitting is Crucial

Another concern when it comes to hearing aids is that the devices may harm your eardrums. To avoid that issue, the hearing aids need to be properly fitted and programmed by a professional hearing instrument specialist. Purchasing a pair of hearing aids over-the-counter, online, or a used pair, may not only be ineffective, but it can damage and worsen your hearing health. 

Hearing aids that are not properly fitted can cause sores, irritation, dry skin, or earwax buildup. If it’s not in the correct setting, sound can be over-amplified and cause more hearing loss. If the setting is too low, you won’t benefit from the device and actually worsen your hearing. To get the most benefits from your hearing aids, talk to a professional hearing instrument specialist who will evaluate your needs, and recommend the best designs and features for your lifestyle. It’s important to find the right hearing aids to improve your hearing health and avoid additional loss.

After you begin to wear your hearing aids, you still need to continue to take care of your ears and hearing health. Always protect your ears from coming in contact with loud noises, which could harm your eardrums.

If you, or a loved one, are experiencing hearing loss, please contact us at Pure Sound Hearing Aids for a free hearing test and consultation with one of our hearing instrument specialists. 

Please be aware that Pure Sound services will only be available by appointment and for essential visits at this time. Essential visits include all appointments that require new hearing aid fittings, repairs, and re-fittings. We will be offering curbside services. If you are visiting us for a repair, we ask that you please wait in your car, while wearing your mask, and place your hearing aids in a clean zip lock bag. A staff member will come to your car to get them. If you are having any issues with your hearing aids, or an assistive listening device, please contact us before visiting one of our office locations. 

Contact Us