Coming to Terms with Your Hearing Loss

Even if you’ve been experiencing hearing loss for some time, receiving a diagnosis can still come as a big shock. As hearing loss often occurs gradually over time, many people are surprised to learn that they have impaired hearing function. However, you needn’t view your hearing loss in a negative light.

You already know what it’s like to live with hearing loss because you’ve been doing it for some time! Receiving a diagnosis simply enables you to reduce your symptoms, enhance and embrace the sounds you’ve been missing out on.

Adjusting to hearing loss

Most people adjust to hearing loss without even realizing they’re doing it, which is why it can come as such as shock. When your hearing function reduces over time, other people may notice your hearing loss before you do. A partner may ask you to turn the television down regularly, or encourage you to get your hearing tested.

In many cases, people maintain that they’re not experiencing hearing loss for years, which is why it comes as a surprise when their hearing instrument specialist confirms that their hearing function is reduced.

However, if you begin to experience difficulties taking part in conversations or you struggle to hear when you’re in a noisy environment, you may begin to wonder if your hearing function is declining. Similarly, if you regularly turn the volume on your cellphone up to max or you feel like you’re missing out at social events, it’s a good indicator that you’re experiencing some form of hearing loss.

Without appropriate symptom management, adjusting to hearing loss can certainly be a challenge. By visiting a hearing instrument specialist, however, you can enhance your listening experience and adjust to hearing loss without any issues at all.

Confirming your hearing loss

A hearing function test can be carried out to confirm whether you have hearing loss and, if so, what type of hearing loss you’re experiencing. In addition to this, a hearing instrument specialist will be able to confirm how severe your hearing loss is during a standard hearing function test. Following this, you’ll be able to access any treatment you require to enhance your hearing function.

Choosing a hearing aid

One of the most effective ways to manage hearing loss is to wear a hearing aid. This will amplify sounds and enable you to hear all the noises you can’t naturally pick up on. However, there are many different types of hearing devices out there, so it’s helpful to be guided through the process by a professional.

Behind-the-ear hearing aids are probably the most recognizable style, but modern versions are barely noticeable. These devices can be used for virtually all types of hearing loss, which is why they’re so popular.

In-the-ear hearing aids are discreet devices which can be used for mild-to-severe hearing loss. With a custom shell that sits in the outer portion of your ear, sounds are amplified directly into your ear canal. Alternatively, an in-the-canal hearing aid sits within the ear canal itself and is virtually invisible. Most suited for mild-to-moderate hearing loss, an in-the-canal hearing device is ideal if you feel a little self-conscious about wearing hearing aids.

As well as helping you find the right style of hearing aid, your hearing instrument specialist will also assist you in exploring a wide range of features. You may want to link your hearing aid to your cellphone, home entertainment system or you may prefer hearing aids which are rechargeable and don’t require disposable batteries.

Wearing hearing aids

When you first start wearing hearing aids, it can take a little while to readjust to the sounds you’ve been unable to hear. However, your hearing instrument specialist can adjust the settings to ensure that you’re not overwhelmed. As you re-learn how to filter day-to-day sounds, you’ll soon become accustomed to the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

For many people, receiving a hearing loss diagnosis and being prescribed hearing aids is the start of a great new chapter in their life. When you’re able to hear more clearly, you can begin to enjoy things to max again, even if you didn’t realize you were missing out before!

Successfully adjusting to hearing loss is much easier when you have the right support. By consulting an experienced hearing instrument specialist, you can ensure that can access the advice and treatment you need. To learn more, contact Hearing Well Matters now at (647) 247-2704.