Unlike our other senses, hearing is a cognitive function. A cognitive function is an ability to process thoughts, primarily those associated with things like memory, the ability to learn new information, speech, and comprehension. When our hearing deteriorates, we aren’t using this function as effectively as we would otherwise, causing other associated issues such as: tension and stress, fatigue, irritability,  embarrassment, anger, avoidance of and withdrawal from social situations, depression, loneliness, social isolation and danger to personal safety to name a few. Hearing, listening and comprehending are all reliant on brain function, so your hearing is only as good as the effort you (and your Audiometrist) invest in it, to retrain your brain to make sense of this different information.

Hearing aids are more sophisticated than just an amplification device. Hearing aids are now smart nano-technological devices that process sound prior to it being amplified into the ear canal to be interpreted by us. It is because our hearing is a complex process that when we feel ready to proceed to hearing aid amplification and rehabilitation that the assumption is made that the purchase of a hearing aid will provide an instant fix. Unlike glasses and eyesight, a hearing aid is only part of the fix for our hearing. Knowledge is power and knowing the right questions to ask when purchasing a hearing aid can make a large difference to the overall cost.