ASK THE HEARING EXPERT CHRIS CHILDE

Audiologist and Training Manager from Amplifon, a global leader in hearing care, has the answers to your questions.

Q: Why do some people still think that there is a stigma attached to using hearing aids?

A: Some people do not realise the advances in hearing aids made in recent decades. Hearing aids are used by people of all ages and are so discreet that you often cannot tell they are being worn.

Q: Why should people have their hearing checked as often as their eyesight and teeth?

A: Postponing hearing tests or ignoring a diagnosis can risk accelerated cognitive decline. It could also directly affect our enjoyment of activities that help us to keep active and healthy.

Q: Can hearing aids be invisible?

A: They are designed to fi t more discreetly, therefore hearing aids can usually only be seen if looking directly into the ear canal.

Q: Will a hearing aid make my hearing as good as it was before?

A: Hearing aids can never make someone’s hearing as good as it was before but they go a long way in helping to make improvements and ensuring it’s easier to hear.

Q: When hearing aids are virtually invisible, are they diffi cult to use?

A: As they are tailored individually to the size and shape of the ear canal, most people fi nd smaller hearing aids easier to insert and remove. Smaller technology has the ability to adjust automatically or can even be controlled through your mobile phone.

Q: Are there any side effects to wearing a hearing aid?

A: You’ll be able to hear a lot more! Most people have no side effects to wearing a hearing aid. At fi rst it can feel funny in the ear, but after a while, you don’t even notice it. Most people report only positive side effects of being able to participate in conversations and hear all the amazing sounds in the world.