
16
realistic expectations
Hopefully, your hear-
ing instruments will
be extremely effec-
tive – so much so
that you will become
dependent upon
them. However,
hearing aids will not
restore normal hear-
ing and will not
prevent or improve a
hearing impairment due to organic conditions.
So don’t judge their effectiveness too soon.
Likewise, others’ experiences with hearing
instruments – good or bad – have no bearing
on your success and should not affect your
attitude.
Also, don’t assume that you will hear and
understand all speech with your hearing
instruments. It will take time and patience as
you learn to adapt to this new way of hearing.
In most cases, inconsistent use of hearing
instruments does not permit you to
attain full benefit from them.