Ask the Audiologist Part 3

Question: I was told recently that hearing aids have Bluetooth capabilities, what does that mean?

Answer: Bluetooth capabilities in a hearing aid means you have the ability to stream things through your hearing aids. What I mean by “stream” is that you can now get phone calls through your hearing aids. This feature is convenient because you no longer have to hold the telephone to your ear to hear the caller and it cuts out surrounding noise so you can hear the caller better. In addition, you will hear the speaker in both ears allowing for better clarity and understanding of conversations. Another benefit of the Bluetooth is your ability to listen to music through the hearing aids without having to carry another device like AirPods or headphones and should you get a call while listening to music the aids prioritize

the call and automatically pause the music so you can take the call. A second feature of the Bluetooth is the ability to adjust the aids volume using your cell phone, it’s as easy as using the remote on your tv and most people love this feature.

Question: I was told I need hearing aids, Do I wear them every day all day?

Answer: It is recommended to wear hearing aids every day for a large portion of the day. The reason we say this is because you are literally retraining your brain to hear sound. When a person initially gets aids, they will hear sound they have not heard in awhile and the brain needs to remember what these sounds are.

On the first day for example, people often notice their feet on gravel as they walk but that sound will fade quickly the more they use the hearing aids. I often use the example of the person who moves next to a train station. The first month the train goes by they wake up, the second month the train goes by they sleep through it. That train did not get any quieter but their brain got used to the sound and no longer paid attention to it. The same will happen when you get hearing aids. The more you wear them the faster you get used to it. As a rule, I suggest people put the aids on in the morning even if they are alone and wear them all day. This helps people adjust to sounds and gets them in the habit of wearing the aids on a regular basis.

Question: At a recent visit to my doctor he mentioned hearing aids help with those prone to dementia or are suffering from dementia how does that help?

Answer: Several studies have come out that have reported the benefit of hearing aids and how it helps those who are prone to or suffering from dementia. In a recent 25 year-long study by Journal of the American Geriatrics Society they found persons with a mild untreated hearing loss were 2X more at risk for dementia and those with a severe loss were 5X more at risk. Another study found for those who have been diagnosed with dementia wearing hearing aids can slow the progress of the disease down by up to 3.5 years. It is believed that the use of hearing aids helps keep all portions of the brain stimulated by providing input. Thereby keeping neural connections healthy in addition to reducing isolation and depression all of which have been linked to dementia. The brain, like any other part of the body, is subject to atrophy without regular use. Lack of stimulation in areas of the brain related to hearing loss will cause neurons to atrophy, leading a possible increased risk of dementia.