Have you noticed how grandparents ask the same question twice or strain to hear the full conversation? Slowly, but unwillingly they start shying away from talking much and eventually resort to a quiet corner being a spectator. Have someone suggest that they should get a hearing aid and shoots back a dejected face; an apparent unpreparedness to take help of an aid.
While our body organs deplete naturally, it’s never too late to start caring and protecting your hearing. Making the choice to adapt to an aided (hearing) life is a not easy, but a life-altering one. It comes with some discomfort and initial hesitation, but the confidence and satisfaction that hearing aids come with outweigh the loneliness of a life without one.
Getting your ears checked is the first step. You may consider visiting a trusted audiologist near you to help identify the magnitude of hearing loss. Next step is to accept the changes in your hearing status and adapt; perhaps with a hearing aid if your audiologist insists on one.
First-timer’s guide to choosing a hearing aid
There are several types of hearing aids but the most popular ones are in-the-ear hearings aids (ITE) and behind-the-ear hearing aids (BTE).
BTEs is quite popular with those who prefer to opt for full functionality with devices. They feature Bluetooth capabilities and are compatible with smartphones, tablets and most devices. When it comes to sound quality, connectivity, and battery preferences, nothing compares to BTEs.
When you experience a mild to moderate hearing loss, generally an in-the-ear (ITE) aid is suggested which goes entirely or partially in your ear. More suited for those who prefer manually controllable options. Those who prefer a discreet approach should opt for CIC(completely in the canal) aids.
If you have already decided to wear a hearing aid, visit your trusted audiology centre. Considering your hearing needs, personal choices of appearance, adaptability and lifestyle an audiology centre can give you an understanding of what styles may suit you. Then again you have styles, colours and functions to choose from.
End the stigma of hearing aids
Investing a good hearing aid is what makes it all worthwhile. Managing a life with hearing aids is not a social stigma anymore. People are getting comfortable at home, work and in the community assisted with hearing aids.
Tips for first-timers –
- Take time to adjust, no hurry
- Social situations may be stressful, but be open and realistic
- Practice starts at home
- Live a fun-fulfilling life – sports, events, intimate gatherings, festivals, soirees will start taking meaning with an aided-life
- Make it your second nature to take care of your hearing aid
You can’t see that a person has hearing loss but you can definitely feel the struggle they go through in a simple conversation. To have your hearing checked and wearing a hearing aid is probably the best gift you can give yourself. Visit an audiology centre such as Leeds Audiology Clinic to get a comprehensive solution on hearing conditions.
