According to the RNID there are approximately 2 million people in the UK who currently wear hearing aids, with about two thirds using their aids on a regular basis. However, it is thought that another 4 million people could benefit from using a hearing aid.
Some people may think that their hearing loss is not severe enough to benefit from wearing a hearing aid. Others may not be aware of the advantages of modern hearing devices. You may have been influenced by hearing of hearing aid problems - ‘bad’ experiences from friends or relatives who may have been using older models or may not have received the best advice on the type of hearing aid most suitable and comfortable for their individual circumstances.
When first being fitted with a new hearing aid it is very important to get as much information as possible about how to get the most out of it, especially over the first few weeks of use. It may take a while to become accustomed to wearing your hearing aid because the sound may be different to listening without a hearing aid; most people will need to allow some time to get used to the different sound. Your Audiologist or Hearing Aid Dispenser will probably suggest that you get used to wearing the hearing aid in different listening situations to start with. Some listening environments may be easier than others, for instance in a relatively quiet location where there isn’t too much background noise.
You are also more likely to continue using and benefiting from your new hearing aid - and avoid hearing aid problems - if you build up its use over a period of time and avoid using it in difficult listening situations when you first start wearing it. From a practical point of view it is also essential to learn how to use the various controls which will vary according to the model.
Probably most important is to have a positive attitude towards wearing your new hearing aid, being patient whilst you get used to it and, if you experience hearing aid problems, getting further help from the hearing professional who fitted the hearing aid.
