If you have decided the time has come to buy hearing aids, then you have already won half the battle! Many people postpone getting the hearing loss treatment they need, all the while suffering damaging consequences to health and wellbeing. If you have taken the plunge into the world of hearing assistance, you are ready to reap the benefits!
The first step, as you may already know, is to schedule and take a hearing test. Each person’s hearing needs is different from the next, and a full diagnosis is the only way to get a sense of how much amplification you need and in what range of sound. With the hearing test completed, you are ready to embark on the road to assistance, yet the options can be overwhelming.
The good news is that we are here to help you navigate the world of hearing aids. Some will not be suited to your hearing needs, while others might be a poor fit for your lifestyle. You can trust our advice, and it also helps to have a general sense of what to consider when buying hearing aids. The following reminders will help you make the most of your experience.
Be Open During Your Consultation
When you have your hearing test, you will also have the opportunity to consult with a member of our team. During this consultation, you can describe particular situations in which it is difficult to hear, as well as any features that would be appealing to you.
Some people are eager to sync media from the television or smartphone directly to their hearing aids, while other people feel that these features are an unnecessary hassle. The key to success during your consultation is to do your best to describe all the factors that relate to hearing in your life.
Perhaps you find it difficult to hear in a crowd, or maybe children’s voices are the most difficult. As well as your hearing needs, be sure to mention any other lifestyle factors that might be relevant. If you have dexterity challenges or arthritis, very tiny hearing aids might not be the right choice for you. Others might be interested in the low profile of hearing aids that fit entirely in their ears.
Give Yourself Time to Adjust
Once you have your hearing aids selected, we will be able to help you fit them and get to know their features. Unlike other assistive technology like eyeglasses, hearing aids don’t immediately bring the world into “focus.” Instead, you need to learn to hear the world in this new way.
Certain sounds might be very loud that you didn’t even notice before. Some people with new hearing aids find them a bit disorienting for driving or other activities at first. The best practice is to take the guidance of your hearing health professional, then try to use them at home in a quiet and safe environment.
If they seem disorienting at all, try a shorter time wearing them. Once you are acclimated to the new sounds in the world, you can begin to use your aids in other contexts, such as social events where most people need them most.
Take Advantage of Ongoing Assistance
Once you have selected the right set of hearing aids for your needs, you will be able to come back for further support as time goes by. If you try to adjust to your aids and find they are challenging, don’t hesitate to discuss this with us. There might be a setting you can adjust to make them sound more natural to you.
If you have any questions about maintenance, cleaning, battery replacement, or durability in humidity, water, or heat, you can contact us. In any case, remember that the process of hearing assistance is ongoing, and your hearing ability might change with time, as well.
As you continue to find new benefits from your hearing aids, they will enhance your life not only in the social contexts where you need them most, but also as you engage with the rich sounding environment.
Are you ready to experience better the benefits of improved hearing? Contact us today to schedule an appointment!
