Does your father or mother not engage in conversations like they used to? Maybe they aren't as quick to laugh? These are common signs of hearing loss. 

Successful communication requires a lot of focus, energy and patience as an effort from all the people involved in a conversation. For people with hearing loss or other hearing impairments, a noisy environment or friends who speak too quickly can make communication extra challenging. Even when your parents with hearing loss utilizes hearing aids and active listening strategies, it is crucial that others involved in the communication process consistently use good communication strategies, including the following:

• Face the hearing-impaired person directly, in good light, and on the same level.
• Do not talk from another room. Not being able to see each other when talking is a common reason people have difficulty understanding what is being said.
• Speak clearly but naturally, without shouting or exaggerated mouth movements.
• Start conversations by saying the person's name.
• Speak slowly, avoid complex sentences, and pause to ensure understanding.
• Avoid covering your face or mouth while talking.
• Remember which ear the person hears better with and position yourself accordingly.
• Be mindful of background noise, as it can distort speech.
• Consider sensitivity to loud sounds and avoid noisy environments when possible.
• If misunderstood, rephrase rather than repeating.
• Keep the listener informed of conversation topics and changes.
• Have the person repeat important information back to you, especially numbers.
• Provide written information whenever possible.
• Understand that illness or fatigue can impact understanding.
• Pay attention to signs of confusion and ask if the message was understood.
• Take turns speaking and avoid interrupting others.

For those who have already wear hearing aids but still not much of benefits from the hearing aids, it's important to recognize that your care and commitment don't end with the fitting of the devices. Follow-up care is a crucial aspect of your hearing aid experience, ensuring that you enjoy the full benefits of improved hearing and addressing any concerns that may arise along the way. Let's look into why follow-up appointments are so important and what it entails.

1.Verification and Optimization: 

During follow-up appointments, audiologists ensure your hearing aids are programmed accurately to address your specific needs. Adjustments may be made based on feedback and changes in your hearing requirements, optimizing the device's performance over one to six months.

2.Addressing Challenges:

Minor issues such as comfort or sound quality may arise with new hearing aids. Follow-up care allows for discussion and resolution of concerns with your audiologist, who can troubleshoot problems and provide practical solutions for a smooth hearing experience.

3.Continuous Counselling and Support: 

Your hearing journey involves unique challenges and questions. Follow-up appointments offer opportunities for meaningful discussions with your audiologist. They provide insights into communication strategies, maintenance tips, and advice for adapting to various listening environments, recognizing that adjusting to hearing aids requires time and guidance. Here in 20dB Digisound, we spend a lot of time on counselling because of the expectations and adaptation that needs to come with wearing a hearing aid. It’s not as simple as putting on a pair of glasses. "It needs a lot of adjustments for the brain to get used to the sounds and adapt to it.” Hearing loss needs more than just a pair of hearing aids. Audiologists play an important role in making an accurate diagnosis and providing professional consultation to solve hearing problems. Think of your audiologist as your partner in maximizing the benefits of your hearing aids

4.Monitoring and Adaptation:

Over time, your hearing needs may change. Regular follow-up appointments enable your audiologist to monitor your progress and adjust your hearing aids accordingly. This ongoing evaluation ensures that your devices remain aligned with your evolving requirements, with your audiologist guiding you through any necessary programming or setting adjustments.

"Empower your loved ones to fully embrace life's moments by overcoming hearing loss. Take action today and schedule an appointment to gift them the joy of hearing the voices they cherish. Give the gift of better hearing and enrich their lives like never before!"

 

Written by: Mohana, Audiologist at 20dB Digisound