Learning to hear again

Using hearing instruments requires physical and psychoacoustic adjustments, which take time. Learning to derive the maximum hearing benefit from hearing instruments, after years of imperfect sound perception, becomes an important undertaking for the new user of hearing instruments.

This is also a very exciting experience. New, high-tech hearing instruments and new testing and fitting techniques make better hearing possible for most people with a hearing loss.

For every instrument user, the roll of family, friends, and co-workers is crucial, especially in the period of adjustment to hearing instruments. The new hearing instrument user needs your support and encouragement.

Some practical advice...

1.Speak clearly and naturally

Please don't shout. It's not necessary and it may overload the hearing instruments, causing distortion of your voice or even discomfort to the listener. It is important to maintain a normal tone of voice and to speak clearly and not too fast.

2.First attract the listener's attention

When you wish to speak with a person who wears hearing instruments, you will be more quickly understood if you first attract their attention. YOu can do this by either, addressing him/her by name, or by entering their field of vision, or by tapping them lightly on the shoulder.

3.Move closer

Shortening the distance between the speaker and the listener offers the best opportunity for easier listening, and optimal speech understanding. Whenever possible, physically move closer to your conversational partner, especially if there is background noise.

4.Face the listener

Position yourself so your listener can see your face and lips. "Lip reading" is instinctive to all of us, but it is particularly important for the hearing impaired who are more dependent on lip reading to supplement what they hear than we are.

5.Take the surroundings into account

Avoid trying to have conversations from one room to another; or in rooms with intense noise (washing machine, vacuum cleaner, loud music, etc.).

6.Be aware of performance limits

Never put the hearing-impaired listener and their instruments to an unfair hearing test, i.e. by expecting them to hear well in an unfriendly acoustic environment. Both user and hearing instrument have their limits.

7.Understand that using hearing instruments can be tiring

When conversing with a new hearing instruments user, be alert to signs of weariness or inattention. Concentrating on hearing takes a lot of energy, and when fatigue interferes, he or she may not hear as well as you (or they) expect. Don't force or prolong conversations if fatigue is apparent.

8.Restate your message

If you need to repeat what you said, try to use different words. Some speech sounds may remain difficult to hear, even with the help of hearing instruments.

In conclusion

With patience, good humor and understanding; and by also being a good listener, you will make an ideal conversation partner. When you follow these guidelines, you can greater contribute to the hearing progress of your friend or relative, and you will be rewarded by seeing him or her become a skilled hearing instrument user who enjoys greater participation if family, business and social life.

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