When you have been diagnosed with hearing loss in Concord, your world will inevitably be turned upside-down.
Don’t worry, it’s temporary; hearing aids help 9 out of 10 people in California with a hearing impairment communicate more effectively, and before long wearing them will become second nature.
There is an adjustment period, however; because of this, your Concord audiologist recommends hearing aid counseling to help prepare you for the challenges that lie ahead.
Your Audiologist is Here to Help
There is a reason hearing aids are considered the gold standard in the treatment of hearing loss: they work!
These sophisticated instruments amplify sounds, allowing most people with a hearing impairment in Concord to enjoy a high quality of life. But they are complex devices that require some time to master.
Hearing Aid Counseling
Counseling begins as soon as you are diagnosed. Your audiologist wants to prepare you for the changes you are about to face and ensure you have realistic expectations about your hearing aids’ performance.
As beneficial as they are, hearing aids do have certain limitations and aren’t a magic cure for your hearing impairment. Understanding this right off the bat will help ensure your long-term success.
The first step in your new life with hearing aids is selecting a pair. Sounds easy enough, but there are so many choices available, many people quickly become overwhelmed.
Hearing Aid Fitting
Your audiologist will help you narrow down the list based on a variety of factors including your hearing and lifestyle needs, cosmetic preferences and budget. They may let you try out a few different styles so you can familiarize yourself with the differences before making a decision.
When your hearing aids are ready, you’ll go through the fitting process. This involves having your audiologist program your hearing aids and adjust them to ensure they are providing the right levels of amplification for your impairment.
Hearing Aid Care & Maintenance
You will also learn about basic care and maintenance –turning them on and off, using the different controls, putting them in and taking them out and changing the batteries. Your audiologist will provide you with communication tips and will answer any questions you may have before sending you on your way.
Your relationship with your audiologist doesn’t end once you walk out the door. You can expect to see them frequently – it can take a while to fine-tune your hearing aids to their optimal settings, and you’ll need to have your hearing tested annually.
Before long, you’ll be a pro at wearing hearing aids and will wonder how you survived without them for so long!
