Living with hearing impairment comes with a plethora of challenges and may significantly affect all spheres of life. Problems in communication with others are just one of many obstacles people who are hard of hearing have to overcome on a daily basis. Here are some expert tips and advice on how to live your life to the fullest despite being hard of hearing.
Look For Available Treatment
Before turning to dos, let’s start with one thing you definitely shouldn’t do. Whatever your situation, seek medical help as soon as you notice the first signs of partial hearing loss. If left untreated, the condition might get worse more quickly than if you visit your doctor to speak about available medicine or aids. More than that, some studies show that elderly patients with untreated hearing loss are at a higher risk to develop dementia. There is no need to deal with this problem on your own, there are professionals who can help you win your battle.
Take Advantage Of Modern Technologies
We live in the era of modern technologies, meaning that you can take advantage of a wide range of innovative products designed specially to make the life of people who are hard of hearing easier and happier. Not only the broadest palette of personal P.A. systems but also an array of various simple to use devices is at your full disposal, including a wireless TV speaker For Hard Of Hearing that brings crystal clear sound right to you. Enhanced with ground-breaking voice clarifying technology, these speakers are real game-changers that are affordable and absolutely uncomplicated to install.
Use Alerting Devices
Various alerting devices can significantly improve the quality of your everyday life, making it more relaxed and eliminating a lot of stress. Connected to a phone, alarm, or doorbell, they either emit very loud sounds or blinking light (or both) to draw your attention. Even though at the beginning they might look complicated to use, very soon you’ll realize but it’s a misleading impression. Alerting devices are a great help for people who are hard of hearing because they give them that sought-after “my home is my castle” feeling.
Switch Off The Noise
Now, a couple of words about the importance of a noise-free environment when having a conversation with other people. Do not forget to eliminate every source of noise that will create additional difficulties, so turn off a TV or music. If you are sitting in a café or restaurant, choose a table that is far away from speakers, the kitchen, and, of course, large and loud companies.
Help Others To Understand Your Needs
You cannot expect other people to know how to behave in order to make conversation easier and more comfortable for you, therefore help them to understand that simply by giving them some instructions. Instead of “I’m hard of hearing” that doesn’t really offer any advice, give them a couple of tips such as “please, look at me when you speak” or “ please, stop chewing, so I can see your lips and understand you better”.
Stop Using “What?”
You might even be unaware that you keep using “what?” over and over again but it drives people crazy, especially if they have to repeat what they’ve just said many times without any positive feedback. The best way to act in a situation when you’re not quite sure whether you’ve got the other person right to repeat what you believe you heard. This way you give that other person a chance to know if you have understood them correctly and to use other words and phrases to try making them sound clearer.
Always Ask People For A Heads Up
You will definitely feel more comfortable and your family or friends less frustrated if you ask them to always give you a heads up before they start talking to you. Tell them to draw your attention first, so you see them and focus on what they are telling. Let them know that shouting from another room or a hall doesn’t really help.
Make Your Loved Ones Part Of Your Treatment
Do not think that a hearing loss is just your own problem and do your best to include your partner and family members in your treatment. If anything, keep in mind that it’s in your best interest to let them educate themselves on how to deal with a person who is hard of hearing.
People who are hard of hearing can live a happy life full of precious moments and conversations with their loved ones. Follow these tips and do not forget that there’s no need to fight this battle alone.
