All Plugged In For Clarity
Unlike the hearing aids of the past few decades, today’s versions give very good clarity and are virtually unnoticeable.
With many people commonly ‘plugged in’ to earphones, earbuds and Bluetooth hands-free sets, there is also less stigma
about having a little wire trailing from behind your ear. All this has made hearing aids a lot more acceptable to elderly
patients. Although these inconspicuous hearing aids are popular, I often advise my elderly patients to use a more noticeable
behind-the-ear hearing aid because:
- They are more affordable, the batteries last longer and they are less likely to get lost
- They do not sit too deeply in the ear canal and are less likely to cause impacted wax and ear infections
- They indicate to people that the wearer has hearing difficulties, resulting in people speaking more clearly, loudly and carefully for the hearer’s benefit
Using a hearing aid to address hearing loss offers more than improving the ability to hear. In children born with hearing
loss, being able to hear is mandatory for the development of speech and language. Hearing is also needed for learning
and communication. For both adults and children, hearing is very important for its social, psychological and emotional
effects.
It can lead to infections, impacted wax and trauma to, or rupture of, the ear drums. If you notice hearing loss in your
children, see a doctor to check for ‘glue ear’ – a common problem in Caucasian, Indian and Japanese children. Remember
to also limit exposure to loud noises and noisy environments.