Frequently asked questions
Will wearing a hearing aid make me stand out?
Not really. Modern hearing aids are small, discreet and more stylish than ever. Some are even invisible. What’s more, you’re probably worried about your appearance and what other people think. But asking people to repeat themselves, responding incorrectly to people, or not responding at all, or even withdrawing from social situations is much more obvious than wearing a hearing aid.
Will a hearing aid improve my quality of life?
Lots of research on people with hearing loss and their spouses or partners has shown that hearing aids can play a major role in boosting your social, emotional, psychological and physical well-being.
Will a hearing aid restore my hearing?
No hearing aid can restore your hearing to normal, unless you have very mild hearing loss. But hearing aids are designed to let you hear soft sounds that you couldn’t hear before, and prevent loud sounds from becoming too loud for you. They also improve your ability to understand speech, even in noisy environments.
Is there a connection between hearing loss and cognitive decline?
There is a definite link between hearing loss and cognitive decline. According to research carried out at Johns Hopkins and the National Institute on Aging in the US, ‘older adults with hearing loss are more likely to develop problems thinking and remembering than older adults whose hearing is normal.’ Here in the UK, the Royal National Institute for the Deaf say that adults with hearing loss are up to five times more likely to develop dementia.
Does hearing loss affect my overall health and wellness?
You can suffer hearing loss for a variety of reasons. As you age for instance, you might begin to lose your hearing as a result of the natural aging process. This hearing loss can have a negative effect on your overall health. Hearing loss can lead to an earlier onset of dementia. You’re more likely to have a fall because you’re less aware of what’s around you. And there is a link between untreated hearing loss and developing Type 2 diabetes. But having healthy hearing can contribute towards your overall well-being and quality of life.
Is there an adjustment period to wearing hearing aids?
It can take up to four months for you to get used to your hearing aids and to really get the most out of them. You’ll notice small changes right from the start, so it’s important to be patient. David also provides excellent aftercare with follow-up appointments and ongoing support, all designed to help you get used to your new hearing aids. He can also do remote consultations to programme your hearing aid wherever you are.