Guest Post | Living life with a hearing loss and while wearing hearing aids

While living life while wearing hearing aids can seem daunting, it can also help go a long way to keep you engaged and connected with your loved ones.

Whether you’re on a journey to better hearing or you’re an experienced hearing aid wearer like me, don’t be afraid to reach out and ask for help from others. As long as you ask, they’ll be willing to help support and assist you on your hearing loss journey.

In this blog, ReSound’s Digital Engagement Coordinator Annie Birnberg, who currently wears ReSound LiNX Quattro and has worn ReSound hearing aids for 7+ years, shares advice and some tips for living life with a hearing loss and while wearing hearing aids.

It is important to also make sure you don’t let your hearing loss or hearing aids get in the way of having good times and making memories you’ll cherish forever. For example, my family always made sure that my hearing loss doesn’t hinder me from living my life. Instead, enhances it.

Here are some key lessons and tips I’ve learned over the years of having a hearing loss and while wearing hearing aids:

Tip #1 – It’s important to advocate for yourself and let others know about your hearing loss:

• Tell your family, friends, colleagues or others that you have a hearing loss and wear hearing aids. This will help set expectations for what will and what won’t work for you. When you share this vulnerable piece of information, it will also hopefully help you connect on a more personal level with others.

Tip #2 – Wear your hearing aids consistently:

• Wearing your hearing aids on a consistent basis is essential. It’ll help you get the most out of your hearing aids. Hearing aids play an important role in my daily life, as they allow me to hear better and to be able to communicate with the world around me. I am sure they’ll also do the same for you. Over time and through use, you’ll be amazed in what you can discover about your hearing aids and the benefits you get from their advanced and innovative technology.

Tip #3 – Don’t be afraid to ask for help:

• Whether it’s from your hearing care professional, family, friends, colleagues or others, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Getting help is essential through your journey to better hearing. People are willing to make accommodations and find ways to help you hear the best you possibly can.

Tip #4 – Keep the essentials with you at all times:

• It is important to keep the essentials with you at all times, such as hearing aids, batteries, portable chargers, extra domes, extra wax guards/filters, accessories, and much more in your purse, backpack, or other type of bags. This way you have whatever you need to make sure your hearing aids work properly at any time.

Tip #5 – Stay on top of your hearing and hearing aids with regular check-ins and follow ups:

• Make regular appointments with your audiologist or hearing care professional to stay on top of your hearing loss and your hearing aids. During these visits, you can complete some of the following: get your ears cleaned, get your hearing tested, check your hearing aids, make sure your hearing aids are up-to-date and others. While checking your hearing aids, your audiologist or hearing care professional may be able to help you make any adjustments you may need or are looking for. At these visits, ensure you ask the important questions that’ll help you through the process and will help benefit you.

Tip #6 – Follow the cleaning and maintenance instructions for your hearing aid devices:

• Hearing aid maintenance is important for well-functioning and long-lasting hearing aids. Even though hearing aids are very durable and can with stand stresses of consistent use, it is an essential step to make sure you’re getting the best sound quality and longevity out of your hearing aids. Following the cleaning and maintenance steps on a consistent and regular schedule will help you get the most out of your hearing aids.

Tip #7 –  Find the best way for you to communicate with others at gatherings:

• Large gatherings may be joyful for some and stressful for others. If you’re having a hard time hearing at larger gatherings, choose a spot at the table that works best for you to hear and engage with others. You can keep sight lines open so you can see everyone around you and read their lips while talking with them. Reducing background noise will also help make it easier to focus and understand others. Ask others to repeat or rephrase what they are saying. These steps are all beneficial in making sure you thrive in larger group settings.

Tip #8 – Make sure everything is easily accessible for you:

• Make sure devices like your cell phone, computer, tablet, or television are easily accessible for you. Take advantage of closed captioning services to make it easier to follow along to what you’re watching or listening to. Stream audio directly to your hearing aids through its Bluetooth® capabilities to allow you. Use assistive wireless accessories like the ReSound Multi Mic, ReSound Micro Mic, ReSound TV Streamer 2, and the ReSound Phone Clip+, will help in providing some amplified sound and help make it easier for you to participate in the conversation.  

Living life with hearing loss and while wearing hearing aids can be challenging, it can also be manageable and enjoyable. Remember to stay positive, stay informed, and don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it!

To find a hearing care professional near you, please visit: https://www.resound.com/en-us/find-a-professional.