5 Steps to Hearing Aid Success

hear granddaughter Many people are excited to receive their new hearing aids. They want to be able to hear clearly again, and they know this is what will do it. But it doesn't always happen right away. Your brain has probably been missing the high-frequency sounds around you for some time, and it needs a little while to get used to those sounds again. It takes time, commitment, a little knowledge and a lot of patience to adapt to your new hearing aids.

When you first get your hearing aids, wear them 8 to 10 hours per day to train your brain to get used to them. Listening to books on tape is a great way to practice hearing and understanding with your new hearing aids. The first few weeks can be tiring, so rest when you need to, then start again. But stick with it, because the payoff is huge.

As you are getting used to life with your new hearing aids, here are five important steps to help you transition into your new world of hearing.

1. Patience

When you first get your hearing aids you want them to work perfectly right away, like a new pair of eyeglasses. But for many patients it can be a process of adaptation and rehabilitation to regain lost sounds. Settings may need to be fine-tuned and readjusted (sometimes several times) as you get used to wearing your new hearing aids. Be patient and enjoy the process knowing that better hearing is on the way!

2. Staying Positive

Just the act of buying new hearing aids does not equal success. A positive attitude about the choice you've made to hear better is just as important as the device itself. Overcoming hearing loss requires hearing aids, but it also requires a willingness to learn and some determination to work on it. A positive attitude about getting hearing aids is a strong indication of success with your new hearing.

3. Education

Personal education about your hearing is the most important factor in overcoming hearing loss. The more you know about your own hearing loss and the treatments available, the more you can participate in your own treatment and adjusting to your hearing aids. Hearing requires all your senses as well as your brain – not just your ears. Educating yourself will help you use all of these functions together to better your hearing capability.

4. Realistic Expectations

Remember that hearing aids will help you hear much better, but they may not be able to help you hear perfectly. Your success with your hearing aids will require realistic expectations of what they will do for you. Remember that it takes practice and commitment to get used to using the hearing aids properly, so focus on getting better every day and give yourself at least six weeks to learn how to make them work best for you. (What to Expect From Your Hearing Aids)

5. Practice and Training

The most important thing to remember when you are getting used to your new hearing aids is that it takes time, practice and lots of patience. But soon enough, your brain will get used to your new capabilities, and you'll be able to hear without thinking about it. Use the resources available to help adjust to your new hearing aids and rehabilitate your hearing.

Train Your Brain to Listen
Repeater Game - Improve your listening. Opens in a new window. Click the "i" at the top of the page for instructions.
Word Target Game - Practice deciphering between similar-sounding words. Click the "i" at the top of the page for instructions.

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Dr Anzola is outstanding. Dr Anzola has provided me with hearing aids that have improved my hearing dramatically. She does an outstanding job of adjusting them each time I see her. Her staff will always fit me in if I need some help. My hearing aids have made such an improvement in the quality of my life. I am most grateful to Dr Anzola.

- Linda B., Annandale, VA

Great Service with Outstanding Results. Lost my previous hearing aids so went to Dr Ana Anzola for help in getting new ones. Thanks to her I have new hearing aids which are extraordinarily better than anything I had before. She takes time to analyze your hearing loss and then creates the best solution tailored to your needs. I woukld recommend her to anyone who suffers from hearing loss problems.

- Thomas A., Mc Lean, VA

A five-star experience! I am a first-time hearing-aid user. I did not know what to expect but Dr. Anzola immediately put me at ease, explained the process and educated me on available options. I have been impressed with the follow-up services. The doctors and staff are friendly, efficient and professional. I have recommended Ascent to others.

- Kathleen S., Herndon, VA

A+++++ (that's 5) for service, professionalism, expertise, etc. I went to the office not really knowing what to expect. Marci Smith was the Audiologist and she is very personable and professional. I am almost please enough to travel to Rockville, her normal office. Everything about the people and office are really the best.

- Richard L., Falls Church, VA

All 5 stars! I purchased my Starkey hearing aids in Naples Florida where we spend part of the year. Audiology Associates located in Naples found Ascent in a directory. With the office close to where we live, I have come in twice to purchase supplies. Service was professional, courteous, and prompt. I will be back for continued purchases as well as service on my hearing aids if necessary.

- Richard S., Oakton, VA

Service is very good and quick. After service my hearing aid is in good condition. I satisfy. Thanks.

- Thuy D., Rockville, MD

Excelent practice. Dr Anzola is an excellent professional. I'm very happy with her professional practice and office. Before I went there, I visited many doctors and they never solved my problem. With Dr. Anzola my experience has been very good.

- Ana B., Bethesda, MD

Excellent! Highly recommend. I accompanied my mother for her initial exam and again when she received the hearing aids. I was very impressed with the amount of time spent and the attention to detail. My mother is not an easy customer and for her to be impressed also says volumes. Dr. Anzola listened well and carefully and responded to all questions and concerns. I was invited to sit in as the aids were prepared and how to use and care for them was explained. She took A LOT of time going over everything, answering questions, and explaining everything in detail. We never felt hurried or rushed. Our appointment was on a Friday late afternoon. What totally amazed us was on Saturday morning my mother got a call from Dr. Anzola. She wanted to see how my mother did after the appointment and in the morning. She asked my mother if she had any questions or concerns. A follow up from the doctor WITHOUT a call from us, was a pleasant surprise. I would highly recommend her.

- Dale L., Alexandria, VA

Dr. Anzola is very attentive, listens very carefully to what ou have to say, will answer all guestions and will change whatever that can be changed to accommidate your wishes. If you have a problem Dr. Anzola will squeeze you in as soon as possible.

- Mary M., Falls Church, VA

Overall - Excellent. Office is officially run and staff (Christine) always accommodating. Appointments are timely, so next to no waiting time. Very friendly but efficient and professional environment. Small waiting room but comfortable setting. Earing devices and testing process seem to meet excellent standards...Doctor Anzola appears very technically knowledgeable and competent.

- Linda G., Fairfax, VA

I Can Hear!!! Dr. Anzola and her staff have been unbelievably fabulous with me. They worked with me to make sure that I got the help I needed and got the comfort that I wanted. They've been there every time I've needed advice or help. And yes, I've already been recommending them to friends. Think you can't hear? Go get help - After 10 years, I'm hearing the birds again... I had no idea how much I'd lost and I'm so happy to have it back again!

- Sheldon C., Arlington, VA

They have gone out of their way to help me hear better. Many times I have called or gone to their office to correct a problem or answer a question.

– Lynda R., McLean, VA

Excellent service! Dr. Anzola is totally professional, helpful and experienced - it is a pleasure to use her services.

- Jane F., Mclean, VA

Dr. Anzola taught me how to use my hearing aid. Improving your hearing is more than purchasing an aid. I am very pleased with my choice to get assistance from Ascent Audiology for my hearing needs. Dr. Anzola is a teacher as well as a doctor. I highly recommend her practice.

- Carol B., Falls Church, VA

Great service, good listeners! My hearing aids are very comfortable. I've been wearing them now since Jan. 2013. Dr. Anzola is responsive to my questions and gives great customer service! Christina is so helpful and her calls to remind me of my next appointment are much appreciated. Thank you Dr. Anzola and staff.

- Craig R., Arlington, VA

Caring, professional audiologist Dr. Anzula guided me through the difficult transition of adjusting to wearing hearing aids. She made sure I had devices to fit mt needs and took the time and care to make sure I was satisfied.

- Rhett D., Mc Lean, VA

Outstanding in all areas. Dr. Anzola and her staff are well-trained professionals who are dedicated to providing a high level of service to their patients.She is not satisfied until her patient is completely satisfied.I am very pleased with the product and my relationship with Dr. Anzola and her staff

- David S., Fairfax, VA

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