8 Tips for Managing Hearing Loss

One in eight people over the age of 12 in the US experience hearing loss in both ears and it's very likely that you will have some form of hearing loss at some point in your life. This can have a huge impact on your life, making it difficult to engage in conversations, lowering your self-esteem and even affecting your physical health. However, modern technology and treatments mean that you can manage hearing loss and live a full life. If you are concerned about hearing loss, these are the best tips for managing it.

Get Regular Checkups

Hearing loss doesn’t appear overnight, it is a gradual process. Often, people do not realize that their hearing has changed for a long while, which is an issue because it’s easier to manage if it is diagnosed early. That’s why it’s so important to have regular checkups, just as you would get eye tests or visit the dentist. An audiologist will be able to detect any small issues and then offer treatments like hearing aids, if necessary. When you catch it early, you can slow down the progress of your hearing loss and stop it from affecting your life.

Explore Different Hearing Aid Options

Hearing aid technology has come on a long way and there are so many options available. The different features available are best suited to different situations. So, you should explore all of the options available and consider which is best for your lifestyle.

For example, if you have to talk on the phone a lot at work then look for hearing aids that will connect directly to the phone. If you spend a lot of time in crowded areas and you have trouble hearing in social situations, you need hearing aids that are good at filtering out background noise. If you speak to an audiologist, they will take you through the available options and help you find the right one for you.

Maintain Your Hearing Aids

Hearing aids are complicated pieces of equipment, and they need to be maintained if you want them to work effectively. Cleaning them regularly, changing wax guards and swapping the batteries are all simple things you can do at home. They also need to be stored correctly and you should use a drying device to avoid damage caused by moisture. As well as maintaining them at home, you should see your audiologist periodically to check your hearing aids and make any repairs or changes, if necessary. They will also let you know whether there are any new models available that would be better suited to you.

Avoid Excessive Noise

Often, long-term exposure to loud noise can lead to hearing loss issues. If you are already experiencing difficulty with your hearing, lots of loud noises will make the issue worse. So, make sure that you avoid situations where you are exposed to a lot of excessive noise for long periods.

Reduce Background Noise

Even if your hearing aids are good at filtering out background noise, you should try to reduce it as much as possible. When trying to have a conversation, switch off the TV or radio. In restaurants, ask for a table away from large groups or the kitchen.

Improve Your Diet

Your diet can have a big impact on your hearing health. Certain vitamins and nutrients, like zinc, potassium and folic acid have been shown to protect hearing health and stop hearing loss from developing as quickly. High fat and sugar diets, on the other hand, can make the problem worse.

Give People A Heads Up

If you have hearing loss issues, it’s always a good idea to let people know when first meeting them. Simply tell them that you sometimes have trouble hearing, especially in busy environments. That way, they can speak slightly slower and enunciate properly so it’s easier for you to hear them. It also avoids situations where people think that you are rude because you are not responding to them.

Be Patient with Yourself

People often get very frustrated about their hearing loss but it is important to be patient with yourself. When you are first fitted with hearing aids, it takes time to get used to them before they settle in. Don’t expect them to work perfectly right away and be patient with yourself. Allow yourself time to learn how to use them and explore the different settings. If you are having difficulty, your audiologist can help you adjust the hearing aids and get them working perfectly.

If you notice a change to your hearing and you need help managing hearing loss, get in touch with Allison Audiology & Hearing Aid Center, P.C today. Call us today at Houston at 713-827-1767 today to learn more about how we can help.