Do you experience hearing loss but are hesitant to seek treatment? If so, you’re not alone. Although, according to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, “About 28.8 million U.S. adults could benefit from using hearing aids,” only about one in five people who could benefit from a hearing aid actually wears one, reports the Hearing Loss Association of America.
Once you decide to make the investment in hearing aids, there are a few things you should know in order to be successful with them. We review some of these items below.
You Will See Your Audiologist Several Times
Some people mistakenly believe that getting hearing aids is similar to getting a pair of glasses. They believe that you can get fit with them and leave without returning for at least a year or two to get your senses re-tested. Know, however, when it comes to hearing aids, you’ll need to see your audiologist multiple times over the first few weeks and months to ensure the programming is just right.
The initial programming of your hearing aids is based on the results of your hearing test, which is conducted in a soundproof booth. This environment is far from real-world listening situations. Therefore, when you’re out in complex listening situations like at Navigation Brewing during a food truck pop-up event, you’ll find you need to have adjustments made to the programming.
You Will Probably Need to Wear Two Hearing Aids
Most likely, you will be prescribed two hearing aids unless, of course, you only have hearing loss in one ear. If you are, it’s important that you wear both of them as directed since they are calibrated to be worn together, and wearing two can help you localize sounds better.
You Will Start with Wearing Them for Short Durations
The longer you waited to seek treatment for your hearing loss, the longer your adjustment period will be. When people first start wearing hearing aids, it’s common for them to be overwhelmed by all the sounds around them that they’ve been missing. This is why your audiologist will recommend that you wear them for short durations at first, then slowly work up until you’re wearing them during all waking hours.
To learn more or to schedule an appointment with a hearing expert, call Massachusetts Hearing Group today.