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7. Use your telephone
Often, you can hear the telephone clearly with your hearing instrument in the microphone
program. Hold the telephone handset 1 inch (2-3cm) from your ear and tilt the receiver
outwards a little.
Your hearing instrument meets strict international regulations. Therefore, it should be
possible to use a GSM telephone in most cases. However, in some circumstances,
disturbance might be audible through your hearing instrument.
8. Use your instrument all day
Using your hearing instrument and practising with it is the best way to learn to hear again.
Even if you can hear without an instrument in some cases. Try to wear your instrument all
day. In that way you will benefit the most.
Of course, a hearing instrument cannot restore natural hearing, but it will help you make the
most of your hearing as it is today.
Go beyond these eight steps and discover the world of sound around you. Do the things
you enjoy and listen to the sounds from your environment.
5. Get used to conversation in a group
Following conversations in a group is often difficult because of the background noise. Listen
to the different voices. Try to recognise them by timbre or rhythm and link each voice to a
person.Focus your attention on the person you want to understand. Practice this regularly. If
you did not understand something that was said, please ask for it to be repeated.
Ensure that you can see the face of your conversation partner(s) clearly and that there is suf-
ficient light. This will help you to lip-read. Avoid ‘looking into the light,’ position yourself with
your back towards the window so that you can see the other person(s) better.
Ask others to talk slowly and clearly. Talking louder does not help.
6. Visit public buildings
Visit public buildings. Try to sit near the speaker; try to be seated in the front rows in a show.
Avoid a seat behind a pillar or in an alcove, you will be in a ‘sound shadow.’ In a restaurant, sit
with your back towards the wall. This avoids disturbing noises coming from behind you.
Some public buildings have an inductive loop system. In these buildings use your telecoil
program, if activated. However, not every position in the building will have good sound
reception. Watch for signs at the location or try a different seat.