Auditory Deprivation Can my hearing get worse if I don’t wear hearing aids? Auditory deprivation refers to a person’s lack of adequate hearing stimulation. Studies have shown, with time, the ability to process sound into meaningful words such as speech can deteriorate if there is not adequate stimulation to the brain. The hearing levels don’t necessarily get worse by not wearing hearing aids, but the ability to understand speech and process the information can deteriorate. This is known as Auditory Deprivation. We are depriving the auditory system in the brain of receiving adequate sound stimulation and our brain gets’ lazy’. With auditory deprivation, the brain gradually loses some of its information processing ability. Several investigations have shown that people, who wear only one hearing aid, experience a reduction in their ability to understand speech in the ear that has not been stimulated with a hearing aid. The ability of the auditory system to process speech declines due to a lack of stimulation to the ear that was not fitted with a hearing aid. Many of my clients ask if wearing hearing aids will make their hearing worse like wearing glasses. This is not the case with hearing and as mentioned above, not wearing hearing aids can cause our auditory system to deteriorate. The hearing aids will not make the hearing levels worse. Hearing aid technology has significantly improved in the last 5 years and are now fully digital, fully automatic, Bluetooth compatible, available in different styles and colours and have various features to monitor feedback (whistling), improve speech clarity, increase listening comfort and decrease background noise. The Audiologist will discuss the various options with you and together a hearing device will be selected based on your hearing loss, communication needs, lifestyle and personal preferences. The Audiologist will ensure your hearing needs are being met and that you are receiving the maximum benefit from your hearing devices. AudioLogic Hearing is proud to offer competitive pricing on the latest features, brands and styles. Maybe you have experienced a loss of hearing over the years and you're considering hearing aids. Or, maybe family members have noticed your hearing isn't what it used to be. Or, maybe you're just curious. If you are struggling to understand, even if it is only in certain noisy situations, it's time to have your hearing tested. The good news: Most hearing loss can be effectively managed with hearing devices. Many individuals with hearing loss wait many years before they try hearing aids. This may be due to denial, negative stories about hearing aids, stigma or cost. They have gone for a long time without stimulation to both ears and their ability to understand speech may be poor. If a hearing loss is present in both ears there are advantages of wearing two hearing aids such as improved sound localisation and better hearing in background noise. However, another benefit of wearing two hearing aids is to reduce the effects of Auditory Deprivation. The old expression use it or lose it seems to apply to our ability to hear and understand speech. For a confidential discussion with an Audiologist regarding your hearing, call AudioLogic Hearing Services on 9754 4162. http://www.audiologic.net.au/
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