50+ Lifestyles

Ask the Audiologist

Why do I hear worse than my friend even though we both wear hearing aids?

By Kevin Kock, Au.D.
Audiology Consultants, P.C.

For many people, hearing loss can be difficult and frustrating. Thankfully, hearing aids are an effective tool for helping individuals with hearing loss to hear better. As an audiologist, I am often asked why some people do better with hearing aids. My answer to that question is “Hearing is complex and has many different factors.” I also emphasize that not everyone has the same experience with hearing aids because different people may hear and understand differently with hearing aids, and there are several factors that contribute to this. Fortunately, most hearing aid users experience good results with their hearing aids, especially when working closely with an audiologist.

One of the main factors that affect how well someone hears with a hearing aid is the type and degree of hearing loss. Hearing loss can vary from mild to severe, and individuals with different types and degrees of hearing loss may require different types of hearing aids. For example, someone with mild hearing loss may only need a simple hearing aid that amplifies sounds, while someone with severe difficulty in background noise may require a device that uses advanced technology to enhance sound quality.

Another important factor is the fit of the hearing aid. A properly fitted hearing aid can help reduce background noise and improve sound clarity. However, if the device is not fitted correctly or is not the right size, it may not work effectively, and the wearer may not be able to hear as well as they would like.

The technology used in the hearing aid can also play a role in how well someone hears with the device. Modern hearing aids use advanced digital signal processing technology that can enhance speech clarity and reduce background noise. However, not all hearing aids are created equal, and some devices may be more effective than others in different listening environments.

In addition to the type of hearing loss and the technology used in the hearing aid, other factors such as the wearer’s age, cognitive abilities, and overall health can also impact how well someone hears with a hearing aid. For example, older adults may have more difficulty adapting to the new sounds or may have cognitive impairments that affect their ability to understand speech, even with the aid of a hearing device.

It is important to note that hearing aids do not completely restore hearing to normal levels. While they can help to amplify sounds and improve speech clarity, they cannot completely reverse the effects of hearing loss. Therefore, even with a hearing aid, individuals may still have difficulty hearing and understanding certain sounds or conversations.

Overall, different people hear and understand differently with hearing aids due to various factors such as the type and degree of hearing loss, the fit of the device, the technology used in the hearing aid, and the wearer’s age and overall health. Because hearing aids can be highly effective in improving hearing and quality of life, it is important to work closely with an audiologist to ensure that the device is properly fitted and adjusted for optimal performance. If you or a loved one feel like they do not hear as well as they should, talk with an audiologist today.

Kevin Kock is an audiologist at Audiology Consultants, P.C.  For more information consult our ad in this publication for store locations and phone numbers.