I HEAR, BUT I DON’T ALWAYS UNDERSTAND
MY HEARING IS FINE… YOU MUMBLE
IT’S NOT THAT BAD
DENY, DENY, DENY
It’s frustrating, aggravating, isolating, depressing, and embarrassing. Pretending to hear when you don’t is exhausting.
SO WHY DON’T YOU JUST ADMIT YOU HAVE A PROBLEM?
Here’s Why
Hearing doesn’t change overnight. It happens over the years, so you don’t realize you’re turning up the volume of the TV louder, that you’re saying ‘what,’ ‘huh,’ ‘pardon me,’ and ‘please repeat that,’ more and more. One day, the turn signal in your car disappeared. You don’t know what day it was. But when you look at your dashboard, you see the turn signal is still on, but you don’t hear it…you don’t even know it’s supposed to make a noise.
Your brain automatically adjusts to reduced hearing by filling in missing sounds and creating workarounds that feel normal.
You convince yourself that restaurants have gotten noisier, that your spouse and kids mumble, that it’s not that bad, and you can get by.
Admitting you have a problem means there’s something wrong with you.
YOU’RE AFRAID TO FIND OUT YOU NEED HEARING AIDS
You think it means you’re old.
- What will people think?
- Will it affect my job?
- Will they think I’m weak?
YOU WANT TO LIVE A LONG, HEALTHY LIFE
- You eat right
- You exercise
- You get your blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and vitals checked regularly
- You go to the dentist every 6 months
- You go to the dermatologist to check for moles and growths
- You get your eyes checked regularly
- You look great. Everyone thinks you’re at least 10 years younger than you are.
WHAT’S GOING TO BE YOUR DOWNFALL? WHAT’S GOING TO PUT YOU IN A NURSING HOME?
YOUR INABILITY TO HEAR
What happens to your brain when you don’t hear well?
You have two auditory centers in your brain, a right and a left center. Their main job is to process, interpret, and make sense of the sound they get from your ears. Your ears just collect the sound. It’s your brain that listens.
When part of the sound is missing, the auditory centers can’t understand what’s going on. They need help. They get help from the frontal lobe next door. The problem is, the frontal lobe is designed for higher cognitive functions, like memory, problem solving, decision making, and personality. When it’s helping the auditory centers just to listen, it has less ability to help you remember what someone said. It has less capacity to solve problems and make decisions. The frontal lobe starts to decline and deteriorate.
Your brain is exhausted. It’s working overtime just to listen.
At the end of the day, you’re tired, cranky, and you don’t want to talk to anyone.
It’s mentally exhausting, it’s depressing. It’s isolating. It’s stressful. It’s lonely.
If you wait too long, your brain gives up and is permanently damaged.
STOP DENYING
If someone tells you the TV is too loud, or go get your hearing checked, or I’m tired of repeating…
9 times out of 10…you have a problem.
Early detection and treatment can reverse any damage to your brain that has already occurred from a lack of stimulation.
Waiting too long can lead to permanent cognitive damage and irreversible damage.
GET YOUR HEARING CHECKED!
Your hearing health matters, and the choices you make about hearing aids affect not only your day-to-day living but also your long-term cognitive health.
As hearing technology improves, so do the buzzwords. Recently, there’s been a lot of noise about AI in hearing aids, and it’s important to understand what it means, how it affects your hearing aids, and why you may (or may not) need it.
Despite AI hearing aids being around for a few years, we wanted to help you separate fact from fiction so you and your audiologist can make the most informed decision possible.
How Does AI Work in Hearing Aids?
At this point, it’s impossible to avoid AI in nearly every aspect of our lives. From live chats with our phones to customized shopping lists at the grocery store, if there’s a way to include artificial intelligence in a product, you’re going to see it.
But did you know that hearing aids have been advertising AI for years?
For hearing aids, AI should be broken into two categories: machine learning and deep neural networks.
About two decades ago, the first hearing aids with AI were introduced to the public. For years, your hearing aids have identified audio patterns in restaurants, conversations, and music to build an internal memory system. Then, when the wearer’s environment matches the learned memory system, your hearing aids automatically apply the right settings for the situation.
In 2021, the first hearing aid with embedded deep neural networks hit the market. DNN’s are trained on massive datasets of real-world sounds to mimic the human brain, eventually separating sound from speech to provide a clearer hearing experience.
We are at the point where these hearing aids are being trained on tens of millions of sound samples and spoken sentences, creating a better-than-ever sound experience.
At this point, hearing aids with AI intelligently separate what you want to hear versus what you don’t. The AI continuously analyzes your environment to adapt in real time to patients’ needs.
A March 2024 study found that DNN-powered noise reduction outperformed traditional noise reduction techniques, and a 2025 follow-up field research study found that DNN improved interference control. For patients with cognitive load and mental fatigue that lead to conditions like Alzheimer’s, DNN-powered hearing aids are a welcome relief.
Some AI-powered hearing aids also allow audiologists to make remote adjustments to your devices based on patient feedback or data collected on the device. If you’re travelling or live far away from your audiologist, this ensures you get the essential fine-tuning you need for the best experience with hearing aids.
That being said, not all AI hearing aids are the same. Only a few products on the market offer real-time AI processing, which means it’s even more important to work with your audiologist to identify the best hearing aids for your situation.
4 Common Myths About AI in Hearing Aids
With “AI-powered” marketing language all around us, it’s harder than ever to understand what’s real and what’s fake when it comes to your hearing aids. Here are some of the most commonly believed myths and what the evidence actually proves.
Myth: All AI hearing aids think and adapt in real-time while you wear them.
The reality is that most hearing aids use AI during the development and training phase (i.e., before you purchase them), not while you wear them. There are a few products that offer real-time AI processing, but for the majority of hearing aids on the market, all of the AI tools are developed before your purchase.
But that isn’t a bad thing, as the AI algorithms are genuinely effective in providing an excellent hearing aid experience.
Myth: AI hearing aids automatically fix my hearing without the need for an audiologist.
The diagnostic experience and fine-tuning that comes from working with an experienced audiologist is the difference between a good and a bad experience with your hearing aids.
Audiologists ensure everything fits correctly and that the hearing aid is programmed correctly for your specific hearing loss.
Myth: More AI features mean better hearing.
Studies and tests show that while AI features work well, they aren’t universally better in every situation. Those with quieter daily routines probably don’t need adaptive technologies, unlike folks working in more chaotic sound environments.
As with any hearing aid, work with a trusted audiologist to ensure you get the right hearing aid for your sound environment.
Myth (mostly: AI hearing aids are always listening to my private conversations.
AI-powered devices use strict security measures to protect your personal information, with many newer hearing aids processing data on the chips themselves rather than sending audio to the cloud.
But one study revealed that hearing aids were broadcasting patients’ names over Bluetooth without users’ ability to change them. There are also some inconsistencies in how data is governed. Our recommendation is to ask your audiologist about how your data is stored, processed, and shared.
Do You Need AI In Your Hearing Aids?
When surrounded by AI marketing, the question becomes, “Do you need AI for your hearing aids too?”
The answer, unfortunately, isn’t as simple as yes or no; the truth lies in what environments you spend your time and what sort of hearing problems you have.
Almost all research universally agrees that AI in hearing aids helps with noise reduction, specifically in situations where you need to understand what someone is saying over competing background sounds.
A 2025 study published in Frontiers in Audiology and Otology evaluated DNN-based processing across seven real-world acoustic environments, including bars, restaurants, shopping malls, and construction sites, finding measurable improvements in both speech recognition and listener preference when AI-based noise reduction was active.
If these hearing aids reduce cognitive load, there’s a good chance they will positively affect brain health outcomes. When a hearing aid reduces the strain of processing sound in noise, it potentially frees up cognitive resources.
Modern AI-powered hearing aids provide an effortless listening experience, reducing the strain often associated with hearing in complex environments. For anyone at risk, these new AI-powered hearing aids can help reduce the risk of cognitive decline.
For people dealing with mild hearing loss or who spend most of their time in quiet environments, the most advanced AI isn’t as important. A well-fitted and adjusted hearing aid will deliver just as good outcomes.
Fit and Adjustments Are The Most Important Factors
More than any new technology, the most important factor in your hearing aid experience comes from the tuning, fitting, and adjustments your audiologist makes.
At Hearing Health Center, our audiologists have decades of experience working with patients of all ages, helping them get the most out of their hearing aids. When your hearing aids fit correctly and volumes are just right, you’re much more likely to continue wearing your hearing aids.
That’s why we always recommend coming to any of our five locations for fittings, adjustments, and to get any questions you might have about your hearing aids answered.
Having Trouble Hearing? Schedule Your Appointment at Hearing Health Center Today.
Having trouble hearing during conversations? Feel like social gatherings are getting harder and harder? Book your appointment online with Hearing Health Center for a free comprehensive hearing exam. An audiologist on staff performs a full exam and provides you with the information you need to get your hearing back on track.
Schedule your appointment today!
I did the research so you don’t have to.
Understanding Traditional Medicare vs. Advantage Plans
Traditional Medicare
Traditional Medicare is operated by the government and is a combination of Medicare Parts A (hospitalization) and Parts B (Physicians and testing), and Part D (drug plan). Traditional Medicare covers 80% of your health care costs. To cover the remaining 20%, you must buy a Medigap, or supplemental, policy.
Cost
The cost for traditional Medicare for 2026 is estimated to be $206.50 monthly. The cost for a supplemental plan (G Plans), the most popular supplemental plan costs $100-$200/month.
Traditional Medicare
The Good News
- You cannot be turned down for the best, most comprehensive (and expensive) plan (currently Plan G), even if you already have health issues.
- Almost all doctors and hospitals accept Traditional Medicare. You have the widest access to health providers.
- Out-of-pocket costs are limited to the annual Park B deductible, estimated at $288 in 2026.
The Bad News
- The premium for a supplemental policy is more than for Advantage Plans.
- You still must buy a separate drug plan (Part D).
Advantage Plan
Advantage plans are operated by private insurance companies that contract with Medicare.
Cost
You still must pay the cost for traditional Medicare (estimated 2026 premium of $206.50/month.
Advantage Plans
The Good News
- They often include additional benefits (dental, vision, hearing), that traditional Medicare does not cover.
- They usually include coverage (Part D), which is extra in Traditional Medicare.
The Bad News
- Many doctors and hospitals are dropping out of Advantage Plans because of declining reimbursement and paperwork nightmares.
- They require permission for testing and limited access to physicians and hospitals that are part of the group. Going out of network can mean higher costs or no coverage at all.
- Prior authorization is required for many services, which can delay or prevent needed care.
- Although premiums may be lower, Advantage Plans have higher co-payments, deductibles, and out-of-pocket maximums (in 2025, the out-of-pocket maximum for Medicare Advantage Plans is $9350 for in-network services).
- They may not offer coverage outside of their service area, which can be a problem when you travel.
Bottom Line
- Open enrollment occurs from Oct. 15th to Dec. 7th. This is the only time you can choose or change plans.
- Check the notice your current plan sent you. How much have premiums and costs risen? Are your doctors and hospitals still in the Plan?
Resources to help you:
- Medicare.gov
- eHealth.com
- Boomerbenefits.com
- For personalized help, make sure you use a licensed individuals – not from an Advantage salesperson who earns a larger commission for selling those plans.
The following article from the Chicago Tribune tells how hearing loss can create life-altering anguish for aging parents and their extended families, most of which can be avoided or greatly diminished by testing and treatment.
Louise Andrew: I watched male loved ones deny their hearing loss. Left untreated, it devastated their lives.
Purging closets bursting with hideous ties reminded me of how difficult it is to “gift” a father with something of value on Father’s Day.
I had a very close relationship with my father and both grandfathers, who supported and protected me always. Fatherly and grandfatherly support is a profound gift for any daughter or granddaughter. I am eternally grateful for these mentors and wish their loving influence had persisted longer.
All my fathers had excellent longevity. But what could have helped them to live even longer, more engaged and fuller lives? Here is what I wish I had given them: Release from the need to appear to be consistently strong, self-sufficient and invincible. The ability to acknowledge and adapt to advancing age and associated infirmities and the courage to admit the inability to solve every problem alone. I wish I could have gifted them the willingness to seek and use help when indicated. To release them from a belief that seeking help means you are “less of a …,” whatever it is, that you feel you must always and consistently be, as a father and as a man.
The gift I would bestow on all fathers is the courage to address the curse that took the intellect of my father, one grandfather and my father-in-law: age-related hearing loss, also known as ARHL. Not being able to hear or properly process information made these men first defensive, then blameful, isolated and in denial. Eventually it rendered them less companionable and less interesting to people around them, ignored and, ultimately, avoided by those who might have helped them prevent the dementia that resulted from ARHL.
More than 460 million people worldwide suffer from disabling hearing loss, according to the World Health Organization. In the U.S., hearing loss affects one-third of those 65 to 74 years old and nearly half of those older than 75, the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders reports. ARHL is the most common remediable cause of cognitive impairment, falls and depression. Johns Hopkins researchers found up to a fivefold increased risk in older adults of developing cognitive impairment, including dementia, when significant hearing impairment remains unaddressed.
Although I owe all of my education to my financially astute grandfather, his stubborn refusal to address hearing loss ultimately led to social isolation. As fresh memories faded, repetition of the same stories made him less engaging and, ultimately to some, the object of derision. The exact same denial in my once-gregarious father led to ostracism in his retirement community, contributing to his death by a stroke after multiple falls. My even more sociable father-in-law developed a form of dementia that was completely surgically curable, but the hearing loss he refused to address made him so uninteresting to be around that no one realized what was happening until it was too late for surgery.
By contrast, my physician grandfather, who used hearing aids, practiced medicine until he died at 81.
If you have ARHL, you may be thinking, “If everyone would just come closer, put down their gadgets, look directly at me, stop mumbling and enunciate more clearly, there would be no problem.” Right?
Wrong. Incoming students in an audiology program were required to wear earplugs for their first three days. That first day, they could ask people to repeat what they had said. By the second, students noticed their interactions became shorter and terser. By the third, people actively began to avoid them. These “hearing impaired” students were essentially being isolated. This same sequence occurs even in close and long-term relationships, albeit more gradually.
If you are beginning to experience hearing loss, your loved ones are sympathetic and supportive at first. ARHL is a disability, and it’s probably not your fault. But as it becomes more difficult to make ourselves understood, we are less likely (when communication is not truly essential) to make an effort. If we’ve brought the hearing issue up many times before, and you do not respond, you begin to seem more stubborn than fragile. ARHL is easily addressed, and yet, to a loved one, your denial of it feels as if you don’t care about your own well-being, the health of our relationship or the happiness or even safety of those who love and may depend on you.
If your father is one of the 500 million worldwide with hearing loss, try this gift: Remind him that you love him dearly and want him as a trusted adviser for as long as humanly possible. Urge him to have his hearing tested and to get hearing aids if indicated. These devices are both effective and almost invisible, and effective alternatives are also available over-the-counter.
The author, Louise Andrew, is a physician attorney, and disability rights advocate.
Consider making a free hearing ability test for your loved one.
Is it the laser, or is it the Ophthalmologist that saved your vision?
Is it the artificial heart, or is it the surgeon that saved your life?
All hearing aids are a piece of plastic. Granted, some pieces of plastic are more expensive than others depending on the electronic components and computerized technology inside the plastic. But essentially, hearing aids are plastic devices.
So, is it the piece of plastic, or is it the provider you see that’s behind successful use and adaptation to hearing aids?
Purchasing hearing aids online and at retail establishments might be tempting to save money, but they lack the critical elements for successful hearing aid use and satisfaction:
- Lack of professional evaluation may not accurately reflect your true hearing ability and may miss a medical or surgical problem.
- Without professional and personalized fitting, the hearing aids may not sit correctly in your ears causing pain, discomfort, and slippage.
- Inadequate programming can lead to over or under amplification.
- You may be on your own for troubleshooting issues or adjustments.
- Lack of regular maintenance can cause more breakdowns and repairs.
While online and retail purchased hearing aids might offer a lower upfront cost, the potential for poor fit, improper programming, and lack of support and ongoing care can render the hearing aids ineffective. You’ve wasted your money.
In a recent study by the National Institutes of Health, the number one reason for success and satisfaction with hearing aids is the hearing care provider.
Hearing aids are medical devices regulated by the FDA and are only available through licensed hearing care providers.
Hearing care providers, specifically doctors of audiology, are exceptionally trained and educated to diagnose the cause of hearing and balance problems, including tumors, growths, and infections. If the problem is not medically or surgically treatable, doctors of audiology have a comprehensive understanding of the software and algorithms of the different hearing aid manufacturers.
You are unique. Your brain, lifestyle, needs, and sound preferences are different from your best friend or neighbor. Audiologists assess all the above before determining which hearing aids would be best for you.
The fitting, programming and adjustments of the hearing aids are personalized for your brain’s processing ability and your listening preferences to ensure optimal performance and comfort.
Ongoing support and continuity of care are essential for optimal results and long-term hearing health. Hearing aids are not a one-shot deal. They are a lifetime _. Just like teeth, hearing aids need regular checkups and maintenance. Just like your vital statistics, your prescription can change. Yearly hearing evaluations are crucial so adjustments can be made to accommodate any changes to your hearing and brain processing ability.
Bottom line: See an audiologist for the best outcome and satisfaction with your hearing aids.
In order for your hearing aid to work properly, you need- you guessed it!- a quality hearing aid battery. Many of our patients have asked to learn more about batteries; below are our informational tidbits and FAQs.
Throw away dead batteries. They do not spontaneously regenerate!
Are there different types of batteries?
- There are two different types of hearing aid batteries: zinc-air (disposable) and rechargeable batteries. Most hearing aids still utilize zinc-air disposable hearing aid batteries as rechargeable batteries are just starting to gain popularity.
- Helpful tip: Zinc-air batteries are activated when the factory seal sticker is removed. Wait at least one minute after you remove the sticker to place the battery in your hearing aid- this will allow the battery to fully activate.
How will I know when to change my batteries?
- Most hearing aids have a beeping signal to tell you when your battery is about to die. However, if you notice that the sounds you are hearing are distorted or if you need to raise the volume more than normal, that could also be a good indication that it’s time to change your batteries.
- Always try to carry an additional battery with you if you are out and about!
How long should my batteries last?
- Every hearing aid user has a different lifestyle and experience, so there is no hard and fast rule of how long your batteries will last. A good rule of thumb is the following:
- Size 10 (yellow label): 3-5 days
- Size 312 (brown label): 5-7 days
- Size 13 (orange label): 6-14 days
- Size 675 (blue label): 9-20 days
- If you feel like you are running through batteries more quickly than you should be, there are several factors that can lead to battery drain; chief among them are moisture, wearing time, and remote usage. You can read more here.
Can I do anything to extend my battery life?
- When not in use at night, open your hearing aid battery door (pro-tip: also use a drying unit overnight to cut down on moisture found in your hearing aids!)
- Make sure to store your batteries at room temperature (heat and humidity can cut down on battery life!)
Have a question about your hearing aid batteries that we didn’t address? Leave us a comment- we’re here to help!
“How often should I change my hearing aid batteries?” is one of the most common questions that we get from hearing aid users. Battery manufacturers use an equation to give an estimate; however, there are several factors that determine the battery life of a hearing device.
Battery Types:
Zinc Air is the most common battery type. Zinc air batteries have a tab. When the tab is pulled off, oxygen mixes with zinc oxide and the battery is activated. For best results, it is recommended to wait up to 5 minutes, after pulling the tab off the battery, before inserting the battery into the hearing device.
Rechargeable is another popular option. Though rechargeable batteries are not available with all hearing aids, more manufacturers are starting to offer them as an alternative to zinc air. Rechargeable devices are placed in a charger overnight.
Battery Life:
All hearing aids have an indicator to let you know when your battery life is low and needs to be changed. There are a number of factors that can determine the life of the battery.
Here are just a few:
Length of wearing time:
The longer the device is being worn, the faster the battery will drain.
Streaming and remote usage:
The ability to stream phone calls or music is a very popular feature; however, it can drain your battery more quickly.
Moisture:
Yes, moisture can drain your battery faster as well! You may not sweat and there might not be any humidity in the air, but your hearing aid can still accumulate moisture. It is recommended that hearing devices using zinc air batteries be kept in a hearing aid de-humidifier, such as the Zephyr, overnight to prevent moisture build up and keep your hearing device working in tip top shape!
If you feel as though you are going through batteries faster than you should be, give us a call!
-contributed by Marnie Belfor, Audiology Technician
At Hearing Health Center, our goal is try and help everyone that walks through our door despite cost. As part of our evaluation we work with you to find the right solution for your hearing loss and your hearing healthcare budget. Not only do we accept insurance benefits, but we also offer payment plan options for patients to pay over time.
Additionally, we don’t want anyone not hearing because of cost, so we work with many charitable foundations that provide support for those that qualify. From the Department of Rehabilitation Services of Illinois to our very own Fisher Foundation, we offer a wide range of help to fit the needs of each and every patient.
- THOU SHALT NOT SPEAK FROM ANOTHER ROOM.
- THOU SHALT NOT SPEAK WITH YOUR BACK TOWARD THE PERSON WITH A HEARING PROBLEM (OR THEIR BACK TOWARD YOU).
- THOU SHALT NOT START SPEAKING AND WALK AWAY.
- THOU SHALT NOT START SPEAKING AND TURN AWAY FROM THE PERSON WITH A HEARING PROBLEM.
- THOU SHALT NOT SPEAK IN COMPETITION WITH SOMETHING ELSE (TURN OFF THE WATER OR TURN DOWN THE RADIO, ETC).
- THOU SHALT GET THE ATTENTION OF THE PERSON WITH THE HEARING PROBLEM (DO NOT START SPEAKING WHILE THEY ARE READING OR CONCENTRATING ON TV).
- THOU SHALT TRY TO SPEAK FACE-TO-FACE AT ALL TIMES.
- THOU SHALT TRY TO REMOVE OBSTRUCTIONS WHILE SPEAKING (YOUR HAND FROM YOUR FACE, THE CIGARETTE FROM YOUR MOUTH, ETC).
- THOU SHALT TRY TO SPEAK DISTINCTLY.
- THOU SHALT TRY TO BE PATIENT.
I got my new hearing aids from Hearing Health Center when I was in town for a concert. I didn’t know I could hear like this.