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HOW TO GET THE MOST FROM YOUR HEARING INSTRUMENTS

Since most hearing losses occur gradually, chances are, you have slowly learned to adapt somewhat to the reduced hearing. You simply are not aware of what sounds you are missing. While the hearing instruments will help, there are other things that will also make adjusting to your new hearing easier. Good communication with others involves attention to visual cues, concentration on the speaker and subject, and understanding.

While many first time users of hearing aids notice an immediate improvement in hearing, others may require an adjustment period. As you begin to wear the new instruments, be patient! Soon you will realize the full benefit of the hearing instruments.

Gradually, your ears and the hearing portion of your brain have become accustomed to not hearing the full spectrum of speech and environmental sounds. The key to improved hearing with new hearing instruments is to teach your ears and brain to hear again. Some sounds will be pleasant to you while others will be surprising or annoying. Learn to identify the sounds that you are not sure of (i.e., refrigerator and air conditioner compressors, fans, water running, etc.) Remember, the primary purpose of wearing new hearing instruments is to improve your ability to hear and understand speech. If you find that you can now take part in conversations and not repeatedly ask "What?", then you are on your way to better hearing and the background noises will eventually become not as noticeable or bothersome. Remember, the hearing instruments are not making the noises in the environment, they are simply allowing you to hear them again.

As you first begin wearing your new hearing instruments refrain from making quick judgments as to their performance. The sounds of everyday living include soft and normal sounds, and also the harsh noises to which you have become unaccustomed. Once again, be patient! You will soon become reacquainted with the sounds you have been missing.

Learn to identify simple sounds in your environment. Practice conversing with one person in a quiet setting. Background noises can be frustrating at first, so try to keep these to a minimum at first.

Train yourself to selectively listen in noisy environments. This will take concentration, as listening in noise is more difficult for everyone, including those with normal hearing. Practice focusing on what you want to hear and it will soon become easier.

To maximize your enjoyment when attending public meetings you may wish to plan ahead. For instance, plan to be seated near the front of the room in the middle section so that you are facing the person speaking or the speaker of the public address system. If possible, before a meeting, find out what topics will be discussed, if you can't do this, ask the person seated next to you to help.

During conversations, be sure to use all of the information available to help you hear and understand. Do the following:

  • Sit, stand or turn so that light in the room allows you to see the speaker's mouth and gestures.
  • Watch the speaker's mouth as she or he talks (lip-reading), so your eyes can supplement information to your ears.
  • Pay attention to hand gestures which may give you additional information or emphasize the speaker's message.

 

KEEP IT IN PERSPECTIVE

A realistic view of your hearing loss and your new hearing instrument's capabilities will help you adjust comfortably to your new way of life. Accept that your hearing loss is permanent unless your physician has told you otherwise. Also, recognize that your hearing instruments cannot restore your hearing to normal. The instruments are just one part of your total hearing rehabilitation program.

 

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