Hearing aids in the test: Get used to a new sound quickly in just 28 days!

Hearing aids in the test: Get used to a new sound quickly in just 28 days!

Hearing loss can be gradual and go unnoticed for a long time. It often takes seven to ten years for those affected to notice the changes. Many have difficulty following conversations or enjoying events. In this context, the company HörVergnügen, founded by Marvin Schlichting and Sebastian Aschern about ten years ago, set its sights on helping people out of the silence to which they have become accustomed. Specialist store manager Daniela Klose-Jost emphasizes that modern hearing systems offer enormous advantages, but also bring challenges because many sounds have to be perceived anew.

A period of about six to nine months to get used to is not unusual for new hearing systems. Interestingly, around 30 percent of users abandon their experimental adjustments. But there is a ray of hope: through targeted hearing training, this adjustment period can be shortened to around 28 days. A crucial aspect here is the brain's adaptation to a new sound world. Your listening pleasure allows you to customize the systems so that background noise is minimized and conversations can be heard more clearly. Statistics show that about a quarter of hearing aids end up in drawers unused, indicating a multi-faceted problem.

Invitation to innovation

If you are looking for a suitable hearing aid, the innovative “hearing aid speed dating” could be a good opportunity. Anyone interested can test different technology and price levels within 15 minutes. The aim is to find everyday solutions for conversations, music and everyday working life. Positive feedback from customers shows that their quality of life has noticeably improved through more relaxed conversations and enjoyment of music. Customers have the opportunity to try out hearing systems in everyday life for 28 days, free of charge and without obligation.

HörVergnügen was honored with the WLH Founder's Prize in 2018 and shows that commitment to hearing health is becoming increasingly important in Germany. The opening times of the specialist shop are from Monday to Friday between 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. and from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Anyone interested can reach the team on 0421 / 43 77 77 87 or on the website www.ihr-hoervergnuegen.de.

Collaborative research for better care

But that is only part of the big picture. An interdisciplinary team of researchers recently launched the “HearForFuture” project. Under the direction of Prof. Dr. Christiane Völter, head of the Ruhr CI Center, is investigating where the weak points in hearing aid provision are in Germany. With over 6 million people over the age of 60 affected by hearing loss, the project aims to identify and analyze gaps in care. It turns out that untreated hearing loss is associated with risks such as falls, depression and even dementia.

The project uses health insurance data, patient surveys and a study of service providers to develop a practical care concept. The G-BA's innovation fund is supporting the project with around 1.3 million euros over a period of two and a half years. It is clear that access to hearing aids needs to be improved in order to improve the quality of life of those affected. The discussion evening on March 5th in Café Elis in St. Elisabeth Hospital will provide an opportunity to learn more about this valuable initiative.

Global challenges in hearing loss

In a global context, the WHO published the first World Report on Hearing two years ago. This report aims to integrate measures to prevent, diagnose and treat hearing disorders into national health plans. What is particularly noteworthy is that the report provides a wealth of data on hearing loss and points to cost-effective solutions - but there is no German translation available yet. A working group has therefore come together to translate the classification of hearing loss into German with the aim of creating clear terms that describe the functional effects on communication.

Overall, it is clear: the issue of hearing loss is complex and requires both individual and societal solutions. The path to better hearing care lies through education, innovative approaches and the tireless efforts of professionals in this area.