8 Tips for Managing Hearing Loss

Hearing loss can happen in people of all ages. For some, it can be gradual, where they suddenly notice that sounds aren’t as sharp or as clear as they once were. For some, it can be quite sudden, perhaps as a result of an accident or a blow to the ear. For others, it might not be so clear. However, no matter who it is and how it has occurred, being able to deal with hearing loss will help to prevent any further loss and will make getting on with everyday life much simpler. If you or a loved one has been experiencing hearing loss, then here are some things that you can do to manage it.

Make An Appointment with An Audiologist

It seems like a no-brainer that you should make an appointment with an audiologist as soon as you experience any kind of hearing loss. However, it might surprise you to know that it can take some people up to seven years to seek advice and help from an audiologist after experiencing hearing loss. If you have noticed a change in your hearing, no matter how small it may seem, make an appointment with an audiologist.

Tell Friends and Family

The group of people that you should also talk about your hearing loss is your friends and family. They will be able to help you should you need it and can be more accommodating in social situations if you are finding it hard to hear. Don’t just try to manage alone; telling friends and family will make a difference to you and help you to get any help that you may need.

Consider Using Assistive Listening Devices

Technology around hearing loss has come on leaps and bounds in the past few years. As well as hearing aids that are small and discreet, there are many assistive listening devices that you can use. These are things such as TV-listening systems or a phone-amplifying device. These can be used on a range of devices from smartphones to tablets. When you’re out and about, look to use closed-circuit loop hearing systems in public; these are generally well advertised in stores and other locations that use them.

Put Yourself in a Position to Hear

If you are finding hearing everyday conversations more difficult than usual, one way to help you to manage is to make sure that you are in a position to hear. Physically moving your body to face someone that you’re talking to will make a difference, as you can read their lips and focus on the sounds they are making.

Choose Quiet Settings

If you are at work or out in a social setting and need to have a conversation, choose a setting that is quiet to enable this. You could walk to a quiet corridor at work, rather than talking on the busy office floor. You could choose a quiet cafe to talk, rather than a busy and noisy bar. Simple choices like this can make social situations much more stress-free if you are experiencing hearing loss.

Turn Off Any Background Noise

If you are in your home or at work and need to have a conversation, it will be easier for you if there is no background noise. Switch off the TV when having a conversation, for example, or pause your work as you talk, rather than trying to multitask. 

Consider Removing Any Earwax Blockage 

If there is a buildup of earwax in your ear, then it can lead to some hearing loss. If this is the case, then it is a reversible cause of your hearing loss, which means something can be done about it to help. It can be worth speaking to your audiologist about this, to see if this could be a potential cause for your hearing loss. If it is, then it is a simple procedure to rectify it.

Get The Right Hearing Aids for You

Your audiologist will be able to advise if hearing aids are required for your hearing loss. If they are, then choosing the right hearing aids for you will be a great way to manage hearing loss. There are styles and devices to suit all needs and lifestyles, so there will be one that works for you.

Get in Contact with Us Today

If you or a loved one has been experiencing hearing loss and you want to find out more and see how we at Portland Audiology Clinic, LLC can help, then get in touch with us today to find out more. Call us at (503) 227-3668 today; we look forward to hearing from you.