5 Essential Steps for a Successful Hearing Journey

Let’s get right into it. So, hearing devices? Have you decided it’s time to address your hearing loss and hear what you’ve been missing? Or, are you simply interested in the latest technology and looking to upgrade your hearing devices? Either way, we’re here to help! 

Hearing companies have created misinformation with hearing devices for too long, it’s become all about the product and sales. As a clinician, I have experience working with many hearing companies and they’ve got it wrong. That’s not what Audiology and hearing healthcare is about. Sure, the product is an important part of providing hearing services but it is important to realise that it’s largely about the service and aftercare you receive. 

Here are some important things to consider before you start your hearing journey and invest in hearing devices/services.

A Comprehensive Hearing Assessment

To make informed decisions about your hearing, schedule a comprehensive hearing assessment with an Audiologist. This assessment covers more than just a hearing test; it includes a discussion about your lifestyle and hearing goals. Together, they help the Audiologist create a personalized hearing care plan. If hearing devices are appropriate, you’ll receive recommendations based on your test results, lifestyle, and goals, marking the start of your hearing care journey.

Choosing the right hearing care provider

Hearing care is an ongoing journey and buying hearing devices isn’t like any normal product  purchase, that is why we talked about the importance of aftercare before. Hearing technology has come a long way and we are able to make many adjustments and customise technology features specifically to suit your hearing lifestyle. Each client is unique and therefore the same applies to their hearing. The more information you provide to your Audiologist the better the outcome will be, that is why it is important to have an Audiologist that you trust and establish a good working relationship with. 

1. You’re embarking on a hearing journey for the rest of your life. Find an Audiologist that you can trust and build a relationship.

Hearing Devices – Where to start?

There are many great hearing devices on the market and device manufacturers provide exceptional support. When you look to invest in hearing technology, it’s important to realise that there isn’t a significant difference between manufacturers. Sure, the marketing, design and features may be different but largely the hearing devices are high quality medical technology and will be able to provide a positive hearing outcome for you. 

Technology Features

Each person’s preferences, hearing ability and lifestyle are different therefore, it’s important to understand that hearing technology is not a one size fits all. Hearing devices come in a variety of technology levels, from basic to advanced. Largely it’s your hearing, communication goals and financial ability that will dictate the level of technology that will provide the best outcome. 

For instance, if you work in a noisy office with frequent essential meetings, a premium device is your best choice. It offers dynamic noise reduction, ensuring clear speech by minimizing background noise in such environments.

On the other hand, if you live a quiet lifestyle and your hearing needs are limited to small gatherings with friends and family in quiet environments, top tier hearing devices aren’t entirely necessary. 

That’s why at Acuity Hearing we use a shared decision making process and a client centred approach to ensure the appropriate technology level is selected to give you the best outcome. So, this leads us to our second recommendation:

2. Be open and clear about your hearing goals and lifestyle. Finding the right device is a shared decision making process with the Audiologist. 

Design

Every person is unique, we all have different taste and style. Why would it be any different when we purchase a device/s that we will be wearing everyday? Style, colour and design are important, if you like how it looks, you will wear it comfortably. Would you wear clothes that you didn’t like? Not really. It’s important to note that there is the clinical side of this decision that your Audiologist will discuss with you. Each person’s anatomy and hearing loss is different and therefore some people have specifics that require a particular device. 

3. Express your thoughts on style and design to find a device that you are comfortable wearing.

Realistic expectations

It takes time to adjust to your new hearing devices and adapting to them can be a process. It’s not uncommon to feel initial discomfort or dislike, but over time, your ear and brain will acclimatise to the stimulation and you will begin to enjoy all of the benefits. 

Hearing devices should be worn consistently, even in quiet settings, to keep your ears and brain active and prevent auditory deprivation. Don’t treat them like glasses for occasional use. It’s like training for noisy environments, and the practice at home will benefit you when you’re out. Remember that even people with normal hearing can struggle in noisy places, so follow your Audiologist’s strategies for effective communication in challenging situations.

4. Be patient with the acclimatisation process and wear your devices consistently for the best hearing outcomes.

Motivation

We as healthcare professionals always want the best for our clients. Personally, I go to great lengths to ensure that I have provided the best possible care and support. But, as I touched on before, it’s an ongoing relationship with your Audiologist and it’s important for you to be motivated to hear better. What does that mean? Get involved in your appointments, ask questions, make suggestions on what you think could be improved. It’s your hearing and we are here to help you achieve the best possible outcome. 

5. Providing feedback and regularly attending your hearing clinic to share your experiences is invaluable.