Saving Your Residual Hearing – Part 1
Oct 31, 2013
People with hearing loss often correct their impairment with hearing aids and think that that’s the end of the story, but it’s not. There is often some residual natural hearing ability left, and that residual hearing should be protected as much as possible. Read on to find out what you can do to save what you have left.
Two Is Better Than One
Most people will have different degrees of hearing loss in each ear, and one ear may be significantly more compromised than the other. But your audiologist will recommend that you get two hearing aids – one for each ear. And you should do just that.
One reason is to make sure you can hear everything around you, from all sides, so that your perception of hearing is more natural. Another reason is to help maintain your residual hearing – that hearing ability you have without the use of hearing aids. If you only wear one device, your other ear is left out of the conversation, and not being used can cause further deterioration of the hearing in that ear.
Wear Your Hearing Aids!
It takes many people years to get hearing aids, and then once they finally take the plunge, many people don’t even wear their new devices. The hearing aids collect dust on the dresser and people continue to walk around with uncorrected hearing impairments.
Get Adjustments as Needed
Remember that it takes time to get used to new hearing aids, and it is not uncommon to return to your audiologist a few times to adjust the fit and settings on your new devices as you get used to them. But what’s most important is that you take the time to work with your audiologist to make sure your hearing aids are comfortable and appropriate for you, and that you wear them as recommended by the audiologist, not just when you feel like it.
Prevent Further Deterioration
Not wearing your hearing aids isn’t just a waste of money, but leaving your hearing uncorrected can cause your impairment to get worse. Wearing the hearing aids will help you hear better now, and save the hearing ability you have left in the future.
Hearing aids are one of the best defenses you have against the loss of your residual hearing. The hearing you have left is important, and it is critical that you do what you can to protect it.
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