Accept that there is a hearing loss
A hearing loss develops very gradually over a long period of time. So it is no wonder that it takes an average of around five to seven years before it is recognised and then dealt with. There is always a period of resistance to try to cope for as long as possible without the help of hearing aids. The resistance can be due to several factors. Hearing aids are for old people, my hearing isn’t that bad, I can’t afford to spend any money onhearing aids, it’s not me it’s YOU who mumbles, people don’t speak properly nowadays and a hundred more reasons.
Be positive when seeking advice
If a solution is to be found in the form of hearing aids, it will depend solely on the attitude of the person looking for help. “You can lead a horse to water…….” means that it is in the users hands as to whether there will be success which is why positive support from the family is vital. If the problem is not thought to that great, then the motivation to correct the issues WILL be low.
Understand and learn about the problem
The best remedy for hearing loss is education. It is important to understand the problem so that the first steps can be taken confidently. A good hearing aid dispenser will be patient and explain what the hearing loss means and how to deal with it. As caring as much as the NHS try, they haven’t always got the time to explain and take people on the right path, which is one of the main reasons that NHS hearing aids more often end up in the top drawer.
Have realistic expectations
Whilst hearing aid technology has never been better, don’t expect to hear again like you once did with normal hearing. Like a walking stick helps to aid better mobility, hearing aids can and will give the necessary assistance for better hearing but never with perfection. Hearing aid programming is not an exact science but more of an art form where experience is the only requisite.
Practice and be patient
The patient journey to better hearing is not always as instant as we would like. The brain will have been starved of information over a long period of time and will require a process of rehabilitation to acclimatise. Sometimes it can take up to 6 months where there has been a serious deprivation of sounds to the brain. Don’t be tempted to wear the aids when you only think they are needed as it this will prevent the full enjoyment of better hearing.
If you would like to share your experiences please leave a post to help those that are about to go on the same journey you have been on. If you would like a FREE leaflet on advice on private and NHS hearing aids please call us on
0800 0304 542 or email us at http://www.hearingaidsattrade.co.uk/contact-us
