It is a known fact that loud sounds cause Hearing loss. For a normal ear, continuous exposure to loud sounds can cause hearing loss over a period. It is highly recommended that we use ear protection devices to protect our ears from loud sounds. Follow the simple Ear Health tips to prevent Noise-induced Hearing loss. Hearing aids amplify sound and make them loud. So can Hearing aids cause Hearing loss? This is a frequent question and needs an answer.
What is Normal Hearing?
A person with normal hearing can hear all types of sound and take part in a conversation. Normal conversation is at a sound level of 50 to 60 decibels. If one is occasionally missing out on a few words, the person may be suffering from hearing loss. Most of the people suffer from High frequency Hearing loss. The main reason is old age closely followed by damage to the ear from loud sound.
When do We Need Hearing Aids?
Hearing aids are useful if our hearing loss is permanent. In some cases the Conductive hearing loss is curable. Unless the damage to the outer ear or the middle ear is permanent.
Sensorineural hearing Loss is not curable. Research in the regeneration of Hair cells is at an advanced stage. A cure will be available shortly. Hearing aids or Cochlear Implant is the only solution to overcome the Hearing loss.
How do Hearing Aids Help?
Hearing aids amplify the sound and compensate for the hearing loss. The selection of Hearing aids depends on the degree of Hearing loss.
Suppose I have a 60 dB hearing loss, this is my hearing threshold. In this case, I will not hear any sound which is below the 60 dB level. As normal conversations are between 50 and 60 dB, I will miss most of the conversation.
In my case, the Audiologist will prescribe or fit a Hearing aid which suits my hearing loss. My Hearing aid will amplify sounds which are very soft. The Hearing aid will not amplify sounds which are above the 60 dB level as my ears can hear at this level.
Can Hearing Aids Improve Hearing?
Hearing aids cannot prevent hearing loss but they can certainly improve the hearing ability. Hearing loss increases very gradually unless it’s a case of sudden Hearing loss. Our brain gets accustomed to the hearing loss and considers this as normal. This reduces the sound processing ability of the brain as well as the nerves and other parts.
Once the Hearing aids start working, the brain and the complete aural network get new signals. This increases the efficiency of the aural network as they start processing new sound signals.
Will My Hearing Loss Get Worse If I Don’t Use Hearing Aids?
The chances of Hearing loss advancing or getting worse is more in people who do not use Hearing aids. We should exercise all body parts, right from the brain to the muscles. Body parts do not slow down and remain healthy if kept active.
Can Hearing Aid Cause Hearing Loss?
Hearing aids cannot damage your hearing or make the hearing loss worse. This is a totally false perception. In fact, use of Hearing aids can slow down your Hearing loss and increase alertness and mental faculties. There are certain rare conditions when Hearing aids can do harm.
When Can Hearing Aids Cause Hearing Loss?
There are 4 situations when Hearing aids can cause damage.
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Poor Hearing Aid Programming or Tuning.
Digital Hearing aids can be precisely programmed as per the users Hearing loss. If the programming is proper, the hearing aid will amplify sounds only in the region where the user has hearing loss.
For example, a person has hearing loss in the high-frequency region and has little or no hearing loss in the low frequency. The Audiologist will program to increase the high-frequency amplification. Minimum or no amplification is set in the low-frequency region.
More amplification in the region of normal hearing would cause discomfort and ear damage.
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Bad Hearing Aid Fitting
More than poor programming, bad fitting is the reason for damage to the ear. Majority of the Hearing aid users reject hearing aids due to poor fitting or programming.
A bad fit is due to the loose ear mould or use of wrong size of the ear tips. If the mould or the ear tip is not fitted properly, the Hearing aid will start whistling loudly. This is a feedback loop. The whistle is so loud that the users will not hear anything and it can also damage the hearing.
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Poor Counselling
Counselling the Hearing aid user before fitting and after fitting will make all the difference between a happy and an unhappy user. In most cases, there is an initial reluctance to use Hearing aids. The reluctance comes for various reasons. Some of the reasons are covered in the article 5 helpful tips to convince your parents to use Hearing aids.
One of the reason is discomfort. During the Hearing loss, the brain processes limited sound signals coming from the ear. After the Hearing aid fitting, the Brain processes new signals or new information. Sudden exposure to all sounds will make the user uncomfortable. The Brain takes a little time to adapt to the new situation.
This is similar to wearing a new set of spectacles. Initially, the ground looks uneven.
Proper counselling will help the Hearing aid user face all these issues. New Hearing aid users should not take advice from unqualified people.
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Using Non-Standard Sound Amplification Devices
A Hearing aid is a medical product. Manufacturers design and produce Hearing aids as per the guidelines laid down by various medical and engineering organisations. These guidelines specify the maximum permissible distortion, power consumption, output power and other parameters to ensure that the user gets a quality product.
Many small-time unscrupulous manufacturers market cheap sound amplification devices which look similar to Hearing aids. The manufacturers of these devices tempt the first time users by offering low prices. Buyers are advised to check the credentials of the company before buying.
Use of Hearing aids can be a life-changing experience. Do not hesitate to wear your Hearing aids and also advice others suffering from Hearing loss.
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