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Tips on using a hearing aid 

It takes a little practice to get used to wearing a hearing aid, but you’ll soon discover using your hearing aid is natural and enjoyable.

Here are some tips on using a hearing aid.

Speaking with others 

Human speech is a complex sound, so you’ll need a little more practice to begin with. Start by using your hearing aid at home with someone whose voice you know well.

Remember that communicating combines listening with concentration and visual clues. Pay attention to facial expressions and gestures, and you’ll understand more.

Hearing aids, like ears, pick up sound best from the front. So, place yourself in front of people when they speak. If you know them well enough, ask them to speak in a normal tone and without covering their mouth with their hands.

Different environments 

As you gain confidence, begin wearing your hearing aid in a wider variety of environments – like work or social occasions. Practice selecting specific sounds and voices and focusing attention on them.

In public places such as a meeting hall, sit as close to the speaker as possible. In cafes or restaurants, try to sit with your back to the main source of noise – such as an open window or a sidewalk.

Radio and television 

For best results, you’ll need to find the best distance between you and the television.

With your new hearing aid on, sit between 6 and 12 feet away (around 2 to 4 meters) with the TV set to a normal level for others. Then adjust your distance to the TV and the volume to find your own comfortable level.

Do the same for the radio. The closer you are and the less background noise there is, the better the sound you’ll get.

 Telephone 

Sometimes your hearing aid will buzz or squeal while you are talking on the phone. If you only wear one hearing aid, try swapping the phone to the other ear.

A telecoil – a feature of some hearing aids – can help when talking on a standard phone. On a cell phone, you could use hands-free systems that include headsets and volume controls.

 Modern hearing aids will accomodate your needs 

Remember that getting used to your hearing aid is part of the hearing recovery process.

Fortunately, today’s most advanced hearing instruments are highly sensitive to individual needs, both for hearing and comfort.

By following the advice of your hearing care professional, you’ll soon discover using your hearing aid is natural and enjoyable.