What to Expect From Hearing Aids

Most people new to hearing aids do not know what to expect from them. Misperceptions and second-hand stories of bulky, whistling, old-fashioned analog devices continue to influence the way people think about all hearing aids. 

Hearing aids have changed dramatically from a generation ago. From outward appearance to internal technology, they are now more appealing and highly effective. 

Today’s hearing aids are like mini-computers.

The best of today’s digital and wireless hearing aids—when properly fit by a trained hearing professional—will make a noticeable difference in how your world sounds. 

Here is what to expect from hearing aids if you purchase the right ones: 

• Your ability to hear and understand others should be improved.
• Other people’s voices shouldn’t sound distorted, harsh, tinny, sharp, booming, or muffled. 
• The sound of your voice should be “normal,” not sound like you’re in a barrel. 
• The intensity and quality of familiar sounds should be sharp, bright, and clear—not dull or irritating.
• In a crowded room with many people talking, it is normal for it to be loud but it should not be deafening.
• Hearing aids should help you identify the location of a sound or voice when worn correctly.
• Hearing and communicating in quiet environments (home, work, doctor’s office) should be improved.
• Your ability to hear and understand speech in environments with background noise (restaurants, dinner parties, environments with fans, or A/C running) should be improved.
• Your hearing aids should help you understand speech in larger environments where there is reverberation (lecture halls, worship spaces, movie theaters)
• Loud sounds (sirens, traffic, construction sounds) should not be uncomfortable but you should hear them clearly.

Change your perception of hearing aids — and change your life for the better

We understand that the rapid advancements in hearing aid technology may make it difficult to identify which hearing aids are right for you. At Accurate Hearing, we offer free hearing tests. We want to ensure that every patient gets the right hearing aids to best meet their hearing loss and lifestyle needs. Simply request an appointment by calling 907-644-6004.

Donna R DeMarco, AAS, BC-HIS
Tinnitus Care Provider
Holding a Certificate from the International Hearing Society