Hearing loss of any degree can be a frustrating experience. The quality of life we live depends, to a great extent, on the ability to perceive sound. The discomfort of being in a room full of conversing people without deciphering much of the conversation is immeasurable.

Without effective hearing aid or device, a hearing loss can limit our social and economic life. Most of the human activities come with a certain amount of noise. In most cases, the decibels may be high, putting our hearing in danger. But such are the realities we face every day in our quest to maintain an active and productive lifestyle.

Experiencing Moderate Hearing Loss

Individuals who can’t perceive between 41 and 55 decibels of sound are considered to have moderate hearing loss. The degree of hearing loss determines the level of decibels of sound we can perceive. Every degree of hearing loss comes with its unique challenges and hearing aid solutions. The following are unique experiences associated with moderate hearing loss:

Difficulty in Perceiving Soft Sounds

Soft sounds are all around us. From the sound of rainfall to food simmering in the pot, individuals with moderate hearing loss cannot perceive the sounds made in our everyday environment without a proper hearing aid. For example, an insect buzz transforms into a beautiful motion picture with a muted motion. Going for perfectly fitting hearing aids such as behind the ear (BTE), in the ear (ITE) and in the canal (ITC) in will give you much-needed comfort, especially in public spaces.

Paying a Little More Attention

If moderate hearing loss is due to a progressive medical condition, you may have to pay a little more attention during conversations. Soft sounds are readily replaced by silence, while any background noise or activity can easily distract you. In most cases, you might have to move closer to people when conversing. Moderate hearing loss comes with added need to move closer to the source of sound and greater concentration. Moderate hearing loss requires paying attention to details.  

The Need for Understanding Nonverbal Clues  

Individuals with moderate hearing loss who don’t use hearing devices may need to master basic non-verbal cues for effective communication. These cues help in understanding actions without perceiving the associated soft sounds. From facial expression to body movement, improving your range of non-verbal cues will give you an unmatchable comfort level even in workplaces. As a bonus, non-verbal cues complement the functions of hearing devices. Therefore, adding some of these cues to your repertoire will further enhance your interpersonal communication skills.

Wearing Hearing Aid

Most hearing aids are easy to use and comfortable. These devices amplify sounds, making it possible to decipher soft sounds. Some BTE, ITC or ITE hearing devices come with advanced technologies that filter background noise while amplifying specific sounds. Most of the latest gadgets in the market are customized to your needs. Therefore, the hearing aids fit perfectly behind the ears. However, walking around with a device attached to your ear may be cumbersome.  

Purchasing Hearing Aids for Moderate Hearing Loss

The following tips will help you buy the right hearing aid for moderate hearing loss:

  • Consult a specialist: Avoid the temptation of making payment for hearing devices before consulting a hearing instrument specialist (HIS). A HIS will diagnose the cause of the hearing loss and recommend the best device to use. The extra money you spent on consultations will save you hundreds of more in purchasing a suitable device.
  • Shop around for the device: Even the unique range of BTE, ITC or ITE hearing devices are differentiated by functions and features. Likewise, the varieties of hearing aids available in the market today come with different price ranges and functionalities. If unsure, seek help from your HIS. Only settle for a device that meets your needs and fits your budget.
  • Always consider comfort: Comfort is an essential factor when purchasing a hearing aid. Spending the whole with a hearing implant that hurts your ears is discomforting. You also put your ears at risk of further damage. Go for comfortable hearing aids but don’t compromise on functionality.
  • Disposable vs. durable: Disposable hearing aids are for short-term use and usually cheaper than durable devices. However, disposable aids are not effective in keeping out germs. It is recommended that you opt for custom-made hearing aids with an antibacterial layer.

Hearing aids help individuals with hearing loss maintain an active and healthy lifestyle. However, choosing the right device requires the input of a specialist and careful consideration of your hearing needs. For professional help on hearing loss, contact Niagara Hearing and Speech Clinic at (855) 797-8002 to learn more about our services.