Buying hearing aids online
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Read moreBecoming one with your hearing aids
Just like our eyesight, hearing loss is often a gradual process that progresses over many years. Our bodies adapt and we learn to accept what we see or hear as our new ‘normal’. We become accustomed to hearing fewer sounds in the environment and, sadly, forget the many sounds that make up the joys of everyday life.
People often think of the most pleasant experiences like birds singing, but sounds such as turning the pages of a book, footsteps, your car engine and a clock ticking are around us at all times. You might not even realise you haven’t heard some of them for a long time.
What happens when I start to lose my hearing?
The old saying of ‘use it or lose it’ is very true when it comes to hearing. As the process of hearing loss begins, the parts of the brain that process sound are no longer being used. If nothing is done to restore hearing levels and stimulate these parts of the brain correctly once again, they become rewired for other purposes.
Getting used to hearing again
Wearing a hearing aid takes a period of rehabilitation. To begin with, wearing a hearing aid can make some sounds unnatural and maybe even annoying. It’s like breaking in a new pair of shoes.
Your brain, in the same way it rewired itself as the sounds disappeared, recognises the sound returning. It will rewire itself over time to make room for the extra sounds you’re able to hear again. However, this takes time.
The more you wear your hearing device, the more your brain receives all the extra sounds and the quicker the adaptation process will happen. Wearing a hearing device occasionally will make this rehabilitation take much longer.
Your hearing ability was probably lost gradually over many years, without you realising – so, it will take some time for you to get used to hearing everything properly again. The key is patience and perseverance, because the results will be worth it.
If you believe you’re suffering hearing loss, take our online screening test and order an at-home clinical assessment box. If you have an up-to-date audiogram, shop our range of advanced Phonak hearing aids here.
If you have questions about your hearing, we’re always on hand to help. Email [email protected] or call 0800 054 1138.
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