Sometimes we stop doing things we used to enjoy, because we cannot hear them and it can become common to avoid social situations because of a hearing loss.

According to Australian Hearing Launceston manager Trent McHugh, research tells us that many people unfortunately delay seeking help when their hearing starts to decline, often for many years, and this means when it comes time for wearing hearing aids, adjusting can take time. 

“The delay in doing something about a hearing loss means many common sounds have not been heard for some time and we slowly get used to not hearing a range of sounds,” he explains.

“The world sounds quite different with hearing aids because we can suddenly hear more sounds than we have been used to. It takes time for brain to readjust to these and the longer the wait, the longer the readjustment time.”

“But many people who start their journey with hearing aids give up early in the process, discouraged during the important adjustment period when the brain acclimatises to the new sounds it is hearing.” 

“Some stash their hearing aids in a drawer - either because they are overwhelmed by too much noise or there is not enough amplification for certain sounds.”

Senior Audiologist Shirley Lam also explains that hearing aids need to be worn consistently to be effective.

Working with your hearing specialist involves committing to wearing the aids at least in the short term, to find out what is working well and what can be improved.

“We all have different goals for our hearing,” she says.

“Hearing the grandkids, being able to hear at church or group meetings, being able to hear clearly at a restaurant or café, having the TV at a sensible volume, using the phone with confidence - all are typical hearing goals.

“Keeping note of all the sounds that are working well and those that or not, especially the sounds related to your original hearing goals, will help your audiologist to find a solution that suits to your needs.”

“Have a regular schedule of appointments with your hearing specialist to keep your aids in tip top shape.”

Australian Hearing’s audiologists can help with all of your concerns and can fit a hearing aid prescription to give the most comfortable, effective and discreet option.

“Treating your hearing loss will allow you to get back to communicating with friends and family as normal.

Our audiologists can help you find a solution that suit your everyday needs, so it can be tailored to your job, hobbies or lifestyle,” Shirley says.

For more information about hearing solutions visit: www.hearing.com.au