Peter studied hearing aid fitting at the world headquarters of Starkey Labs. He was able to have hands on training with the company’s founder, Bill Austin. He has also undergone advanced training in the smallest, nearly invisible style hearing aids, and has expanded his education by traveling to Denmark to learn directly from European hearing aid manufacturers. He continues to attend conferences and training seminars to stay current on the rapidly evolving world of hearing aid technology.
Latest posts by Peter Lucier, HIS (see all)
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If you’ve been struggling to hear, you may have a few questions about hearing loss. You may wonder what caused your hearing loss, if hearing aids are right for you, and if anyone else has had the same experience. At Hearing Aid Specialists of the Central Coast, we have all the answers to the common questions about hearing loss.
What Causes Hearing Loss?
Hearing loss can be caused by aging, and this type of hearing loss is called presbycusis. As children and teenagers, our bodies went through periods of incredible growth and development, but as we age, it’s natural that this growth stops, and in the same way your knees may not be as strong as they used to, your ears might not be picking up on all the sounds around you. The cells in the ear begin to deteriorate, and some sounds will be harder to hear than others.
Another cause of hearing loss is noise induced hearing loss, or hearing loss from exposure to dangerously loud sounds. Exposure to noises will damage or destroy the delicate cells in your inner ear. This type of hearing loss can be gradual, and if you work in a noisy job, or have loud hobbies, these sounds will chip away at your hearing health over time. Sudden hearing loss can occur if you’re exposed to one extremely loud sound, like a gunshot next to your ear.
Can Hearing Loss Be Prevented?
While presbycusis can’t be prevented, noise induced hearing loss can be stopped. Try to limit your exposure to loud noises, and make sure to wear proper hearing protection whenever you’re in areas with a lot of noise. From loud jobsites to noisy leisure activities like music concerts, sports events, or riding a motorcycle, always protect your ears. If you’re working with power tools at home, mowing the yard, or listening to your favorite workout playlist, be mindful of the noise levels, and prevent hearing loss.
Will Hearing Aids Help Me Hear Right Away?
If you want your hearing aids to help you hear, the key is to wear them all day every day, especially when you first bring your new devices home. Your ears and brain need to be trained to process the sounds they hear from the hearing aids, so make sure you wear them consistently. You will notice that you hear more sounds as soon as you put in your devices, but there will be an adjustment period of around one to three weeks as your brain learns to process all these new sounds, many in registers you haven’t been hearing in years.
Do Hearing Aids Restore Hearing?
Today’s hearing aids are advanced pieces of high-end technology that perform a specific function very well. You’ll regain sounds you’ve been missing as the devices help you focus on speech sounds and follow conversations with ease, even in places with a lot of background noise. However, hearing aids cannot completely restore your hearing, because the technology cannot repair damaged inner ear hair cells.
Will Hearing Loss Affect Other Areas of My Life?
Those living with untreated hearing loss often experience a host of other negative outcomes. Clear hearing is crucial for communication, and those with hearing loss are more likely to face social isolation, loneliness, and depression. This can lead to more rapid cognitive decline and increase the risk of dementia.
Can I Buy Hearing Aids Online?
While you might be tempted to buy hearing aids online, you won’t actually be saving any time or money. Just like your glasses, hearing aids are customized technology, and one size doesn’t fit all. The programs and settings need to be tailored to your unique hearing needs and the ear piece needs to fit perfectly for you to have clear sound, and not struggle with feedback. Not only that, but a hearing aid specialist is always available for follow up visits, and will work with you to make sure you’re getting the most out of your hearing devices.
Hearing Aid Specialists of the Central Coast
If you’ve been struggling to hear, and have more questions about hearing loss or hearing aids, visit us today at Hearing Aid Specialists of the Central Coast to learn more about what hearing technology can do for you, and how are team will work with you to improve your hearing abilities.