Approximately one in three people in the U.S. between 65 and 74 have hearing loss. Treatment options like hearing aids can be life-changing for seniors, improving communication and overall quality of life. However, adjusting to them takes time, patience and the right strategies. Let’s take a look at how hearing aids can help you and a few tips for an easier transition.
How Can Hearing Aids Help You?
Hearing aids do more than just amplify speech. They reduce the strain of trying to follow conversations, help you stay socially active and even improve cognitive health by keeping your brain engaged. With your new devices, you can start to reengage with all the social events you used to love.
Tips for an Easy Transition Into Hearing Aids
Adjusting to hearing aids can feel overwhelming at first. But there are a few ways you can improve your transition, including:
- Start slow. Wear your hearing aids for a few hours a day and gradually increase the time. Begin in quiet settings to get used to how they process sounds. If your hearing aids feel great right off the bat, feel free to wear them all day without breaks!
- Practice listening. Enjoy conversations with family and friends, watch TV or listen to the radio at a comfortable volume to practice hearing different pitches and tones. When you feel ready, wear your hearing aids to a coffee shop or a busy dinner at The Deadrise.
- Maintain your hearing aids. Clean your hearing aids regularly and check the batteries to ensure they work correctly. Remember to attend scheduled follow-ups with your audiologist for fine-tuning and troubleshooting.
- Be patient with yourself. It’s normal to feel overwhelmed initially. Give yourself time to adapt to the new sounds and sensations. If you start to feel stressed, take your devices out for a few minutes to give yourself a little listening break.
Adjusting to better hearing can feel like a big step, but it’s the beginning of an exciting journey. To learn more about how hearing aids can help you, contact Hampton Roads ENT ~ Allergy for an appointment with one of our specialists.