Many hearing aid users experience an increase in their overall quality of life. Good hearing enables so much of what makes life great – many hearing aid users experience more profound interactions with loved ones and find it much more enjoyable to participate in social events. It can be daunting in the beginning and we want to share some of our top hearing aid tips with you.
Life before hearing aids:
You may have found noise and crowds overwhelming. With hearing aids, you can look forward to engaging in meaningful conversations with friends and family more easily and with less stress and exhaustion, regardless of the setting. Not all change is seamless. It can take a while to get used to wearing hearing aids, and you may experience some sensory overload. ‘Does the world really sound like this?’ is a common question and it is okay to feel this way. It does – and you will soon get used to, and hopefully appreciate, all the sounds the world has to offer.
We have compiled three top hearing aid tips to help you get a gentle start to life with hearing aids.
1. Hearing aid tip ONE – use your hearing aids consistently
The first hearing aid tip that we want to share with you is to note that it is important to wear them for most of the day. Therefore, the true benefits of hearing aids are only achieved through frequent use, even if they feel slightly uncomfortable at first. As you are easing into your new routine, you may also forget to put them on altogether. As a result, and if you do this frequently, we advise that you leave yourself a note on your bedside table or put a reminder on your phone.
Wear them around your home and in everyday situations. You’ll notice there are sounds in your home that you may not have heard in a while. For instance, running taps, creaking stairs or the clanking of cutlery. These may surprise you at first but will quickly become a natural part of your life. It is a great feeling to know that you start to hear everything again!
You can also turn on the TV and watch your favourite show and go to the shops. In essence, live your life as you normally would.
2. Hearing aid tip TWO – Speak to people
The next hearing aid tip that we want to share with you is talk to others! Talking with other people, both face-to-face and on the phone, is a rewarding experience for most new hearing aid users. As a result, and all of a sudden, speech is clear and focused. You can follow and participate in conversations on a different level compared with what you may have been used to.
If your hearing loss is severe, you might have avoided talking on the phone for a while. Face-to-face conversations may be more comfortable as you are able to read the other person’s gestures and body language. Therefore, speaking on the phone is slightly different, but once again it is an endeavour that is both rewarding and important for building and improving social connections – and with hearing aids, it can be much easier for you.
3. Hearing aid tip THREE – Write down your experiences
Keeping a diary of your initial experiences with hearing aids can help you gather your thoughts and keep track of all those new impressions. Therefore, it will also serve as a great tool next time you visit us at Strauss Audiology. We feel that this hearing aid tip is quite important.
Note down the sounds that are new to you and what your reaction to them has been. Which unfamiliar sounds have you noticed? For instance, are any particular sounds or situations unpleasant? Does your hearing aids feel comfortable?
If adjustments are needed, we at Strauss Audiology will benefit from the information contained in your diary.
Bonus hearing aid tip: It’s okay to take them off
The last hearing aid top that we want to share with you is if wearing your hearing aids gets a little too intense or you feel overwhelmed, it’s okay to take them off when you need a break from sound. With persistent use, your brain is able to adjust to sound quite remarkably. In the meantime, don’t feel any pressure if you are uncomfortable in certain situations at first – simply take them out and put them back in again when you are ready.
Your follow-up appointment
We always suggest that you come for a follow-up appointment. This is where you will have your hearing aids fine-tuned based on your experiences so far. Use this opportunity to ask us any questions you may have and share any issues you may have faced. It can be helpful to bring your diary – and also a close relative or friend – to your appointments; they may have noticed something important about your hearing too.
About Strauss Audiology
Strauss Audiology is a professional audiology business in the northern suburbs of Cape Town, offering expert, effective hearing advice that is tailored to clients’ unique hearing needs. We conduct hearing evaluations, hearing tests and vertigo assessments, and provide a range of solutions to improve and protect clients’ hearing. This includes providing hearing aids to Cape Town clients. With 16 years of experience, and with the qualifications and certifications to deliver leading hearing care, you can trust us to take care of your hearing needs.
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