Caregivers, Here's How To Help Someone Adapt To Hearing Aids
Getting hearing aids can be an exciting experience for an older adult who is struggling with poor hearing. However, it can also be a more challenging experience than they expect. It takes some time to adapt to hearing aids; you don't just pop them on and enjoy perfect hearing like you used to have. As a caregiver, there are things you can do to help ease this transition and help your loved one adapt to their hearing aids.
Prepare them for what to expect.
Often, people expect that hearing aids will solve their problems and give them perfect hearing overnight. So, they become really disappointed when they put the hearing aids in and realize things sound a bit different than they do with natural hearing. You can help your loved one adapt by preparing them for this experience. When they talk about their soon-coming hearing aids, remind them that it will take a little time to adapt. Talk about how excited you are to help them navigate this change!
Take care of the technological side.
Today's hearing aids are pretty high-tech. This allows them to work better, but it can also make them harder for older adults to use. You can help by handling the technical aspects of the hearing aids. Read the instruction manual so you know how they work. Keep an eye on the battery life for your loved one, and charge them as needed. This way, your loved one can focus on adapting to the hearing differences and not also the technology.
Have practice listening sessions with your loved one.
Your loved one probably won't feel ready to wear hearing aids in public or in a busy area right away. But, you can help them adapt by orchestrating practice sessions. Have them put their hearing aids on, and then have a conversation with them. Ask them which words and sounds are hardest for them to hear, and then spend more time making those sounds so your loved one can get more practice. You may also try watching one of their favorite TV shows with them. Put the captions on so they can read along and figure out what words they are hearing.
Listening through a hearing aid is quite different from listening with a natural ear. The sounds are magnified differently. As a result, it can take someone a while to adapt — but you can help with that as a caregiver. For more information about hearing aids, contact a local professional.
