+90 548 839 98 19
+90 548 840 98 19
İskele, KKTC
Pzt-Cum: 09:00-17:00 | Cts: 09:00-14:00
"I put on my hearing aid, but I still can't understand conversations... I wonder if wearing it was pointless?"
Hearing aids are technological devices designed to help individuals with hearing loss perceive environmental sounds and speech more clearly. However, many users report that even while using a hearing aid, they still cannot fully understand conversations and surrounding sounds. So, why don’t hearing aids always ensure clear understanding of speech?
Despite technological advancements, the microphones and digital processors in hearing aids can struggle to separate target speech from background noise in complex acoustic environments (such as crowded and noisy social settings). These technical limitations can affect the overall performance of the device, preventing users from fully experiencing the auditory improvement they expect in certain situations (Kochkin, 2010).
Hearing is not just the collection of signals from the ears; the interpretation of these signals in the brain is critically important. In individuals who have experienced hearing loss for a long time, the auditory cortex of the brain may struggle to adapt to this change. When hearing aids are worn, the brain suddenly begins to receive new and increased sound signals, and it takes time to get used to interpreting them (Peelle and Wingfield, 2016).
During this process, the signals from the hearing aid may not fully match the brain’s expectations, which makes understanding more difficult. Especially in older individuals, neural plasticity may decrease, and this adaptation process can be prolonged (Anderson et al., 2013).
One of the biggest challenges in understanding speech is background noise. Hearing aids use advanced algorithms to distinguish speech signals from noise, but these technologies are not fully effective in every situation. Especially in environments with multiple speakers or noisy settings (such as restaurants, streets, or social events), the signal-to-noise ratio decreases, making speech perception more difficult (McCormack and Fortnum, 2013).
The type and degree of hearing loss directly affect the efficiency of the hearing aid. In sensorineural hearing loss, since the cochlea (inner ear) or auditory nerve is damaged, it can be difficult to perceive and interpret amplified sounds. Therefore, the device must be professionally and individually adjusted. A poorly adjusted device can cause sounds to be distorted or amplified too much, causing discomfort and hindering understanding (Ching and Dillon, 2013).
Hearing loss can cause psychological effects such as social withdrawal, anxiety, and stress in individuals. This situation reduces a person’s attention and concentration, making it harder to interpret auditory information. Additionally, motivation loss or discomfort caused by the hearing aid in individuals new to using the device can decrease the effectiveness of its use (Garstecki and Erler, 1998).
After starting to use a hearing aid, some users may not feel the expected benefit, especially during the first few months. This situation arises from both technological and neurological adaptation processes. So, can individuals who do not initially benefit from a hearing aid eventually gain more advantage from it over time?
When hearing loss persists for a long time, the auditory cortex of the brain may lose its sensitivity to the decreased stimuli. When a hearing aid is worn, it takes time for the brain to adapt to this new and intensified auditory input.
The study by Anderson et al. (2013) revealed positive changes in brain timing among individuals with age-related hearing loss through auditory training and device use. This finding indicates that the brain can exhibit plasticity and begin to process new auditory information more effectively. Therefore, individuals who initially do not benefit sufficiently from the device can improve their auditory perception and speech comprehension skills over time thanks to brain adaptation.
If you are experiencing hearing loss, book your appointment now at our İskele Hearing Center in Cyprus! Contact us for a detailed examination and a free hearing test!