I have had diabetes my entire life, and I am very thankful for the fact that modern medical discoveries have helped me live a happy, healthy life despite my disease. I have had to watch what I eat and take medications daily for most of my life, and while i used to feel like I was "missing out" when other children were able to eat sugary candy and I wasn't, I eventually learned that sugar-free candy tastes great. I am always keeping up on the latest diabetes research, and while researching, I have also learned about many other diseases and ailments and how they are treated and controlled. I know others are too busy to browse a bunch of medical websites, like I like to do, so I decided to start a blog that others can visit that contains information on a variety of medical topics all in one place!
Modern Medicine Saves Lives Every Day
Getting Over Hearing Loss: 3 Tips for Adjusting to Your New Listening Device
For Content
If you have recently purchased a new listening device, you may be feeling excited a little overwhelmed. It is perfectly normal to be a little anxious, especially if you haven't been able to hear properly for years. However, it is important to know that your first experiences with your hearing aid may not be what you expect.
The first few weeks—or months—of wearing your new listening device is all about trial and error. You will likely need to adjust the device multiple times to achieve the hearing you desire. Here are three helpful tips to help you adjust—and get the most out of—your hearing aid:
1. Frequent Public Areas
It may seem a little daunting to visit public places when you first get your hearing aid. After all, everything may seem loud and noisy. However, it is important you frequent public areas to get used to your new hearing aid—and the fact that you can hear.
When visiting public areas, it can help to sit in an area with good acoustics; this is usually somewhere in the middle of room. If the place you are visiting has a loud speaker, make sure you are not sitting directly in front of it. You do not want to be blasted with sound, but you do want to get used to hearing it. You also want to learn how to decipher voices from background noises, so bring a friend or family member along with you if possible.
2. Watch Television
Another helpful tip for getting accustomed to your listening device is simple: watch TV. By watching television shows, you will get used to listening attentively and you will learn how to decipher voices from other noises. You will also get used to listening to varying sounds and tones.
If you find it hard to understand voices on the television, turn on the closed captioning. This will allow you to read along; and that will help you understand and make out voices.
3. Be Patient
Finally, be patient with yourself. Your new listening device is new and hearing sounds may seem foreign to you. Depending on the severity of your hearing loss, your brain may need some time to adjust. This phase will pass and soon you will be able to hear everything clearly. Just give yourself time.
Just like anything new, your listening device may seem strange in the beginning. However, after a few weeks or months of adjustment, you won't even notice it's there anymore. If these tips do not help, or you experience anything odd or painful, contact your doctor or hearing professional for help.
Share