Wearing a digital hearing aid at Christmas

Dec 17, 2012 in Hearing Tests

Wearing a digital hearing aid at Christmas

Christmas is a special family time and if this year is your first Yuletide wearing a digital hearing aid then there are a few ways in which you can make life easier for yourself.

Many of our patients in free hearing tests at this time of year ask about how best to communicate, talk and understand their friends and family and luckily there are some good tips and tricks.

Whether it’s indoors with your nearest and dearest or out at a carol concert or open air event, there are things you can do to help and, what’s more, they don’t just apply at Christmas either.

Family

Firstly, let’s tackle the main issue of how to hear best within the home. The best way to ensure you can address and understand your friends and family is to be open and communicate.

Those around you will know that you are adjusting to wearing a device so simply remind them of this at the start of the festive season.

Ask for them to talk slowly, clearly and confidently in order to give you the best chance of hearing properly.

When it comes to children and young people, this may be a tad trickier but, with clear instructions and a bit of patience they’ll quickly understand as well.

Social

When out and about over the Christmas period, things do get a little trickier but not majorly so.

Most facilities will have loop systems which allow you to hear well via your device and if you have any questions about which setting you require simply ask the relevant person.

Similarly, if you are in pubs or restaurants ensure you have your aid tuned in properly so that background noise like music is reduced and speech is enhanced.

Again, clear pronunciation will help too in this regard.

The main thing to try and put in place this Christmas is communicating your feelings as well as hearing others.

Don’t be embarrassed to ask people to repeat things or enquire about a loop system. Ultimately, Christmas comes once a year so don’t let anything get in the way of you enjoying it.