Most people with significant hearing impairments benefit from hearing aids with proper guidance in their selection and use. So, what are the keys of hearing aid success?

Early diagnosis
Patient motivation
Proper selection and fitting of hearing aids
Hearing aids adjustment

Three important questions must be answered:

Do you feel that you have a listening or communication problem?
Do you want to improve your listening ability?
Are you willing to try hearing aids?

If answer to these questions are yes, recommendation of hearing aids is appropriate.

How long should I wait before I get a hearing aid?

Is there any advantage to waiting until your hearing loss is "severe enough" before getting hearing aids? No, just the opposite.

Wearing hearing aids in the early stages of hearing loss will make it easier for you to get accustomed to the somewhat changed sound that hearing aids produce. Also, hearing aids will help you to recapture certain words that have probably become less and less distinct as your hearing has deteriorated. The higher-pitched sounds are the first to fade, including consonants like s, f, and sh. It's like reading a newspaper and having those letters missing. If your hearing loss becomes more severe, it may be possible even distort your speech.

Also, learning to live with hearing aids before it is absolutely necessary is to avoid making a nuisance of yourself. Wearing hearing aids is certainly preferable to constantly asking people to speak up or repeat themselves. Remember, a hearing loss is more noticeable than hearing aids.

If you have a hearing loss, you still have some hearing left. That hearing is usable too! This remaining "residual hearing" is the solid foundation on which your future hearing happiness will be erected.

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