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Will my hearing aids make me look old?
One of the most common concerns we hear from our patients with hearing loss is that they are worried hearing aids will make them look older. It’s a valid concern. When you’re young at heart, you don’t want to look older than you feel.
Up until just a few years ago, most hearing aids were large and unsightly, but today’s hearing aids are significantly more discreet and technologically advanced. After experiencing the difference today’s hearing aids make, most of our patients find that the benefits far outweigh their original concerns.
To understand why, we’re going to briefly walk you through how hearing aids have evolved and why avoiding hearing aids can paradoxically make you seem older.
How have hearing aids evolved?
Like our computers and phones, hearing aid technology has evolved rapidly to meet the demands of people living with hearing loss. The majority of today’s hearing aid options are sleek, compact and innovative. Depending on your personal needs and preferences, there are a wide range of options and styles to choose from.
Most hearing aids can also connect to your smartphone, computer, or television through wireless connection. Using a mobile application, you can adjust sound levels and even send audio directly to your hearing aids. For example, phone calls become clearer because you hear the call directly through your hearing aids, canceling out the background noise.
Check out our other blog post to learn more about different hearing aid styles.
Why does avoiding hearing aids make you seem older?
Untreated hearing loss is usually far more noticeable than wearing hearing aids. Constantly asking “huh? or “what?”, missing the punch lines of jokes, pretending to understand your significant other, or failing to respond appropriately in conversation can cause the people in your life to worry about your mental sharpness and ability to communicate effectively.
“In trying to avoid looking old, you could actually be feeding into habits that make you appear older,” audiologist Dr. Gosu notes. “Beyond appearances, the negative affects of hearing loss can actually accelerate the development of other health problems associated with old age, like dementia and loss of balance.”
Additionally, the advantages of improved hearing with hearing aids are great and might even make you feel younger. From feeling included in conversations again to noticing the birds chirping from your back porch, our patients report improved relationships and higher quality of life.
Want to talk with an audiologist about your hearing aid concerns? Schedule an appointment with Dr. Gosu here.
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