Hearing loss is a stressful time, both for the person losing their hearing and for friends, family and loved ones who may increasingly struggle to have meaningful and high-quality conversations. Many people will turn to a hearing clinic to help them find a suitable hearing aid. As technology has advanced, the quality and ability of these hearing aids has rocketed, meaning that many people can return to almost full hearing with the flick of a switch.
However, a hearing clinic will not be able to recommenced a suitable aid without some input from your side. So, before you book your appointment, here are three things to think about to ensure that you get the most appropriate piece of technology for your situation.
What type of situations do you struggle to hear in?
Hearing loss is often a gradual process. Many people are not even aware how serious their hearing loss is until their neighbors complain that they can hear the TV coming through the walls. Once you have decided that you need to get an aid, you may want to take some time to actively pay attention to noise levels throughout your day, and see what situations you are struggling with. Can you hear announcements in the airport or train station? Can you easily hear films at the cinema? If you are out for dinner in a noisy restaurant, do you struggle to hear what those you are out to eat with are saying?
How long will you need to wear the aid for during the day?
It is helpful if you are able to indicate to the clinic how often you would feel comfortable wearing the aid for throughout the day, or if you would prefer a more permanent solution. For those really struggling with hearing, extended-wear aids are fitted and then do not need to be removed for months. Daily aids, on the other hand, can easily be inserted and removed as necessary at home.
What is the impact on your life?
Hearing loss is an emotional time for most people. Unfortunately, many opt to try and cover up just how bad their hearing has gotten. For those born fully capable of hearing, it is a significant life adjustment to accept that your hearing has gone. During the tests at the hearing clinic, many people will try to guess their way through the test situations to cover for the fact that they cannot hear well, but it is important that you are able to provide a thorough and honest account to the staff at the clinic so that they can establish what type of aid you will need.
