Hearing aids are commonly recommended for people who find it difficult to hear, particularly in cases when hearing has clearly deteriorated over a period of time. If you’ve been struggling to keep up in conversations or meetings, you find yourself asking friends to repeat themselves, or you’re constantly turning the volume on the TV or radio up, you may be advised to consider using hearing aids. If you do decide to explore hearing aids as a treatment option, a hearing instrument specialist can help you.
How can a hearing instrument specialist help with hearing aids?
A hearing instrument specialist can help with many aspects of choosing hearing aids, getting used to them and adjusting them to enjoy the best possible results. If you’ve never worn hearing aids before, it’s natural to have lots of questions, especially before your first appointment, and a hearing instrument specialist can provide you with heaps of information and explain exactly how hearing aids work and how they will benefit you.
Before you start exploring different types of hearing aids, your hearing instrument specialist will use the results of your hearing examinations to give you an accurate picture of the extent of hearing loss. You might find that your hearing is better in one ear than the other, or that you find it particularly difficult to hear certain pitches, for example. The findings of the tests can help to outline which kinds of hearing aids would be best for you.
Fitting and getting used to hearing aids
Once you’ve made a decision about the kind of hearing aid you’d like, a hearing instrument specialist can fit your hearing aids for you. This may require a period of adjustment, which ensures that the device fits perfectly, and also that it is programmed to ensure you get the best out of it. You’ll be shown how to program your hearing aids, and also how to maintain and care for them. Hearing aids need to be cleaned regularly, and the batteries will need replacing. Many people find that it takes a few days to get used to wearing hearing aids. Your hearing instrument specialist will be able to offer tips to speed up the process, and also give you an idea of what to expect during that first week. Most recommend starting off with a few hours per day and then increasing the duration steadily.
Hearing protection
In addition to providing advice about choosing hearing aids, fitting and programming the devices, and showing you how to clean your hearing aids and swap old batteries, a hearing instrument specialist can also offer information about protecting your hearing and preventing wax build-up and infections. If you have any problems with your hearing aids, or you have queries or concerns about your hearing, you can also pick up the phone and get in touch. Your hearing instrument specialist will be happy to help.
If you’re suffering from hearing loss, and you’ve been advised to consider hearing aids, a hearing instrument specialist can provide all the information and advice you need.
