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The first step is the hardest
Don't be afraid to let other people see that you are wearing a hearing aid. It is a sign of an active and modern outlook and shows consideration towards your family and friends.
This approach helps you to secure the necessary assistance from your surroundings, which is of great value - particularly at the beginning.
If you have had a hearing loss for quite some time, there will be various sounds and noises which you may have forgotten altogether. Now that you have a hearing aid you may be surprised at hearing all these sounds again. You must now learn, once again, to distinguish sounds, picking out those you need and ignoring the rest. This will take some time, but your patience will be rewarded.
Using your hearing aid
- Try the instrument at home in quiet surroundings and adjust the volume.
- Listen to background noises such as footsteps, passing cars, or children playing.
- Try to identify the sounds.
- When you get tired of listening, turn down the volume or turn off the instrument.
- Try again after an interval of rest.
- For the first few days you should only wear the instrument for one hour at a time, then take a break for a few hours, and in this way you will gradually become accustomed to the aid, the mould and the sounds.
- Do not turn up the volume more than absolutely necessary, as the background noises increase correspondingly.
Only one way
PRACTICE . PRACTICE . PRACTICE
There are no shortcuts or clever methods by which to obtain immediate and full benefit from your hearing aid. Only energetic and determined practice, which may take from 6 weeks to 3 months, will lead to maximum results from your hearing aid. The sooner you get accustomed to wearing the instrument every day and all day, the sooner you will succeed. Don't give up on any account. If you feel uncertain or doubtful about the correct use of the instrument - do not hesitate to consult the Christchurch Hearing Association.
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