1. Look Into Hearing Aids
Thanks to technological advances, hearing aids are becoming better and more affordable. Ask your primary doctor to refer you to an audiologist who can explain your options to you. Note that the prices for these devices can vary from affordable to very expensive and that most general health plans do not cover the cost. Remember that hearing aids aren't a magical cure--they generally restore about half of the hearing that has been lost--and that it takes time for your body and brain to become accustomed to them.
2. Modify Your Work Environment
Depending on the degree of your hearing loss, you may need to make several changes to your workspace. If you spend any time working with the telephone, see if your employer can give you one with an adjustable volume control. Don't be ashamed of your hearing problems, and let your co-workers know about your issues and remind them to speak up at meetings and events. If your job puts you in a loud environment, then you'll need to wear additional hearing protection.
3. Protect Your Ears From Further Damage
Once you have hearing loss, it can be easy to add to the problem. You must protect your ears at home and during recreational activities. Remember to wear earplugs while mowing the lawn and working with power tools or other loud devices. Additionally, pay close attention to how loud you play your music. While you may be tempted to crank up the volume to cope with your hearing loss, remember that it could further damage your ears or those of the people around you.
4. Consider Speech-Reading Classes
Your audiologist can refer you to a therapist who will work with you on speech reading. Almost everyone already possesses this ability to some extent, but a specialist can train you to read lips faster, from various angles and in varying degrees of light. You'll increase your sense of sight to cope with your loss of hearing.
