Once a decision has been made to obtain hearing aids, it is important to understand what they can and cannot do for you. Most hearing aid wearers have some unrealistic expectations resulting in disappointment with the instruments. If they have not accepted the loss of hearing and need for hearing aids, they may use the "poor performance" as an excuse for not wearing them. They may tell themselves they don't want a hearing aid but will use it if they can hear everyone perfectly. Or they will wear the hearing aids if they can hear in all background noise situations perfectly. These are unrealistic expectations. Even those with normal hearing occasionally have difficulty hearing and understanding, depending upon the situations. To expect this will only set you up for failure. When the hearing aids "fail" by not meeting the expectations, the prophecy that hearing aids are of no value is fulfilled. Having realistic expectations, on the other hand, will result in greater success using the instruments and make life more enjoyable. Some reasonable expectations are as follows:

• Hearing aids are very effective in quiet situations for mild to moderate hearing losses.
• Hearing aids may be less effective in quiet situations for severe hearing losses but do provide significant benefit.
• Hearing aids can help in some background noise situations.

• Hearing aids do not eliminate background noise. New technology hearing aids do reduce some background noise and you may hear and understand through the background noise. This occurs only if your hearing is not severely impaired and if you do not have any central auditory processing problems.

• You may hear well across the room but continue to have difficulty hearing from one room to another.

In order to obtain the maximum benefit from hearing aids you must work with your hearing healthcare professional. Some key points to remember are as follows:

• To achieve the maximum benefit takes time, effort, and patience.
• You must be willing to make a commitment to follow instructions.
• Hearing aids must be physically comfortable.
• The sounds produced by the hearing aids must be comfortable and clear, not tinny or loud
• You must try to always position yourself in the best listening situations possible.
• You must use all your powers of observation to assist your hearing through lip reading and understanding the situation.

 

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