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Seven easy steps to better hearing
Over the first days and weeks of using your hearing instruments, you will experience
sounds that will be new to you, especially if you have not worn hearing instruments
previously. Now is the time to experiment with listening to these new or long-forgotten
sounds.
1. In the quiet of your home
Try to acclimate yourself to all the new sounds. Listen to the many background sounds
and try to identify each sound. Bear in mind that some sounds will seem different from
what you are used to. You may have to learn to identify them again. Note that in time you
will get accustomed to the sounds in your environment – if not please contact your
Hearing Care Professional.
If using the hearing instruments makes you tired, take them off for a little while and have
a rest. Gradually, you will begin to be able to listen for longer periods of time. Soon, you
will be able to wear your hearing instruments comfortably all day long.
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2. Conversation with another person
Sit with someone else in a quiet room. Face each other so you can read facial expressions
easily. You may notice new speech sounds, which can seem a little different in the
beginning. However, after the brain has adapted to the new speech sounds, you should
hear speech clearer.
3. Lis ten to radio or TV
When listening to the TV or the radio, start out by listening to news commentators since
they usually speak clearly, then try other programs.
If you find it difficult to listen to TV or radio, ask your Hearing Care Professional for more
information regarding available accessories.
4. In group conversations
Group situations are usually accompanied by a greater degree of background noise, and
are, therefore, naturally more difficult to cope with. In such situations, therefore, focus your
attention on the person you want to hear. If you miss a word, ask the speaker to repeat.