Getting to know your hearing devices

Getting used to new hearing devices is challenging, even for experienced users. One of the biggest factors which influence your ability to succeed with new devices is your attitude and expectations towards them - start with realistic expectations about how your devices can help you in different situations and have a proactive attitude towards wearing them. This post will provide you with some tips and tricks that my previous clients have said worked for them.
 
Acclimatization
It takes some time to adjust to wearing hearing devices and listening to new sounds. How long this adjustment takes varies from person to person. With practice and patience, you’ll be hearing clearly sounds which you may not have heard at that level for years.
 
Over the first few days, start off wearing it as much as you can in environments you are comfortable with (eg at home, quiet places). Once you are more confident, start wearing them for longer periods in a wider variety of situations (eg shopping centers, social gatherings, cafes). If wearing your hearing devices makes you tired, remove them and have a rest. You’ll soon be able to wear them for longer periods and ultimately all day comfortably.
 
Listen to the various noises in your environment and try to identify them, remembering that some sounds will seem different then you’re used to. After the first few weeks, common voices and sounds will be familiar again as your brain adapts to the new sounds and your understanding improves.
 
Tips when talking to people

• Ensure you are able to see the speakers face to get any visual cues, facial expressions and gestures.
• Be aware of what the topic of conversation is (eg using meeting agenda). Context will allow you to fill in any gaps which you may miss during the conversation.
• If you start to become tired or anxious, have a break.
• If the person is speaking too quickly or not directly facing you, tell them that you have a hearing impairment and how they can help (eg speaking a little slower, not shouting, facing you when talking).
• When stuck, ask for rephrasing and confirmation about what you thought you heard. Getting feedback will allow you to ensure you are still following the conversation correctly. Confirm details and information to ensure you heard them right.
• Recognize that if you are with a large group of people, it would be best to try converse with those closest to you.

 
Being aware of your environment

• Reduce as much noise around you if possible
• Be aware of where you are sitting. Relocate yourself in a good position to see and hear the sound source (eg person speaking, TV). Try to put as much of the background noise behind you. 
• Ensure there is adequate lighting to see the speaker’s face for visual cues
• Remove any distractions if possible (eg turn down the radio, close the car window)
• Visit restaurants/cafes that are quiet and reserve a table in a quieter area with good lighting away from any band or kitchen.
• Some theaters, movies and even train stations have Telecoil Audio Loop systems which allow some hearing devices to tap into the sound system. This gives the user a much clearer sound signal.
• If at meetings where microphones are used, ask for questions to be repeated using the mic.
• When environments are very noisy, consider writing or having a screen visible (eg at a bank, when paying for things).

 
Undoubtedly, getting used to anything new takes time and energy but with a little perseverance and practise, you'll be able to continue enjoying the sounds of your life for many years to come. If you feel you are not hearing adequately through your devices or are still struggling to acclimatize even after several weeks of adjustments, feel free to contact our clinicians for assistance or advice.