Get your loved one to have a hearing test

It can take a long time for people to come to terms with having a hearing loss, and even longer to do something about it. This is why you can help ease the process for your loved one.

It is always best to have a hearing test done in a professional hearing centre, as they will be able to more accurately assess the hearing the individual has. For example, here at South East Hearing Care Centres we ensure all of our centres have soundproof hearing booths for precise measurement. Tests you can do on the computer can be a start, but for a proper assessment, a registered audiologist should be consulted.

We run a number of tests as part of our diagnostic evaluation so we can ensure we know precisely what help your loved one requires. We also talk to the individual to find out about their lifestyle so we can suggest a solution that is appropriate for their loss, as well their needs.

There can be a lot to take in on a first assessment so it is worth visiting with your loved one to help them process it all.

It is very important to remember that these days hearing aids are infinitely more discrete than the days of the "big beige bananas". In fact, we can even supply completely invisible hearing aids. So don't let the one you care about be put off my stigma. Hearing loss is nothing to be ashamed about, but if desired, it can be hidden.

Being realistic

Unfortunately a hearing aid does not have the power to completely restore someone's hearing, but it makes the most of what they do have.

Noisy environments can even be difficult with those of perfect hearing.

Adjusting to wearing a hearing aid can take some time. Regular visits to your hearing care professional will ensure your hearing aid is performing to its optimum.

Learning to love their hearing aid

As with anything, it can take time to to adjust to wearing a hearing aid so try to be as supportive as you can.

The new wearer will be exposed to sounds their brain has forgotten about so it can be very tiring initially. However you must encourage them to keep wearing their aid as the more time they do, the more time the brain has to adjust, and so the sooner they will feel the benefits!

If they complain the volume is too loud or too quiet, take them back to their audiologist who can adjust the aids to a more comfortable level.

Any problems, consult the audiologist!