Damage to the inner ear can cause permanent hearing loss. While you may not be able to restore hearing, you can improve your ability to understand others by using communication techniques and assistive technology like hearing aids.
How Do Hearing Aids Work?
Approximately 28.8 million U.S. adults could benefit from hearing aids. While the features may change between styles, most devices have a microphone that collects sound, a processor that amplifies it according to your volume and frequency needs and a speaker that delivers the newly amplified sound to your ears. In addition to amplification, many modern hearing aids have advanced features, including but not limited to:
- Bluetooth® connection to smart devices
- Directional microphones that amplify sound in the direction you’re facing
- Background noise suppression to improve speech clarity
Hearing aids come in styles ranging from sleek behind-the-ear devices to nearly invisible-in-the-canal options. Your hearing aid specialist will help you find the perfect device for your communication needs.
What Techniques Can I Use To Improve Communication?
A few essential techniques to employ when communicating with hearing loss include:
- Practice active listening. It can be easy to drift off when someone is talking. You may even realize after a few minutes that you haven’t heard a word they said. Try focusing on the meaning behind the speaker’s words. Paying close attention will improve your retention and communication despite hearing loss.
- Stand face-to-face. Looking at someone when they talk gives you visual cues that aid understanding. Try not to talk to people from a different room or while looking at your phone.
- Choose a quiet background. A quiet picnic in Caras Park offers a much easier setting for communication with hearing loss than the hustle and bustle of a noisy restaurant. When possible, opt for quieter venues when making plans with friends.
- Ask for clarification. If you missed an important word or two, don’t be afraid to ask the speaker to repeat or rephrase what they said. They’ll appreciate that you took the time to ensure you understood them correctly.
Combining these communication tips with hearing aids may not cure hearing loss, but they’re invaluable tools in improving speech understanding. To learn more about hearing loss treatment, contact Western Montana Hearing and Speech today.