Having someone close to you with hearing loss can be challenging. The first step you can take to help them is to ensure that they get hearing aids immediately. Aside from having to repeat yourself several times for them to understand you, hearing loss can cause balance problems in the patients. Accepting to wear hearing aids is a big step and getting used to them takes time. Your loved ones require your support to sail through the process smoothly. Here are some of the ways in which you can help them as they get used to wearing the devices.
Learn about hearing loss
Taking time to learn more about hearing loss, its effects, and the use of hearing aids can help you understand what your loved ones have been going through and how they feel. If possible, accompany them to the doctor and ask supportive questions. Your loved ones will feel cared for, and this will help them navigate through the initial stages of wearing hearing aids without feeling self-conscious or embarrassed.
Use the normal speaking tone
You may have been used to speaking in a high tone or shouting when talking to your loved one before they started to wear hearing aids. Start talking to them in your normal tone so that they can begin getting used to the normal sounds. Also, loud talking can be annoying at this time since they feel like sounds have been magnified during the first few days or weeks of wearing hearing aids. You can end up annoying them if you don't lower your tone.
Avoid noisy places
Users of hearing aids can hear even the subtlest sounds such as a ticking clock, and these are sounds they probably haven't heard in a long time. Taking them to noisy places can be quite frustrating during the first days as they have not yet learned to isolate individual sounds. If you have to go out for a meal, shopping, or other outdoor activities, choose places that are less noisy and comfortable until they get used to the aids.
Communicate with them
Sometimes, you might think you are helping but in the real sense you are not. Having an open communication with your loved one can make them feel comfortable around you. They can even open up and tell you what they would like, what you are doing wrong, and how you can improve. This is mostly useful for children and elderly people on hearing aids. It can help them transition smoothly.
Hearing aids can help your loved ones lead healthy lives even without their natural hearing ability. By observing these measures, you can help them get used to wearing hearing aids and make them feel loved.
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