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SONIC
PEARL
TM
USER GUIDE
Hearing Expectations
Set Appropriate Expectations
It is important that you have the right expectations
regarding your hearing aids. Hearing aids will give you
better hearing, but they are not a cure for hearing loss.
People whose expectations are too high (“I thought
they would make my hearing normal”) are likely to be
disappointed and may give up.
Hearing Aids Can:
•
Help you hear and understand better in most
situations.
•
Allow you to participate more in group situations
and meetings.
Hearing Aids Cannot:
•
Give you normal hearing.
Hearing Aids May Not:
•
Let you hear very soft sounds.
•
Block ALL background noises–especially in
noisy groups. Even people without hearing loss
may have difficulty hearing in the presence of
background noise.
Be Patient
Unlike eyeglasses, which correct your vision as soon
as you first put them on, hearing aids need some time
for proper adjustment. It may take several weeks or
months to completely adjust to your hearing aids, so try
to be patient. During the first week or so, try different
listening situations, such as one-on-one conversations
with family and friends and conversations with two
or three people at home or in quiet settings. Also, try
having conversations in noisier places like parties,
restaurants, meetings, and outdoors. Do not forget
that some situations are simply too noisy in general—
even for people without hearing loss. So, do not get
discouraged.
Consistent use of your hearing aid is strongly
recommended. In most cases, infrequent use does not
allow you to obtain the full benefit from your aid.
The use of a hearing aid is only a part of total hearing
rehabilitation, and may need to be supplemented by
auditory training and instruction in speech reading.
