| |
Sedona, Arizona
(928) 284-5200
Flagstaff, Arizona
(928) 214-0907 |
|
SOUND ADVICE |
| Hearing |
Hearing depends upon the physical condition of the ear just as vision depends upon the physical condition of the eye. If the physical condition of the eye is good, we see as long as the eye is open. The ear is always open, and if the physical condition is good, the ear hears 24 hours a day.
One may “hear” sounds but not listen to them. One may “hear” a foreign language and not understand it. If the physical condition of the ear is not good, hearing may change in a number of ways. Some sounds may be quite loud enough while others are too soft. |
 |
 |
|
|
|
Listening |
 |
|
Listening involves more than the physical condition of the ear. Listening implies that we are paying attention to what we hear. Unlike hearing we can turn listening on and off. We tend to stop listening when sounds we are hearing are not interesting or important to us, or when we are ill, tired or upset.
For the hearing impaired person, listening requires greater attention and much more effort than for a person with normal hearing. A normal hearing person may be able to listen without any difficulty when moderately tired. The hearing impaired person may find listening an effort when only mildly tired. |
|
|
|
Understanding |
| Sometimes we hear what has been said and have been attentive but still do not understand. It happens to all of us when we hear unfamiliar phrases and words. To the hearing aid user it happens more frequently. |
There will be sounds, words, voices (although louder) which are not as you remember them. You must learn to accept them as “normal.” You hear and are listening but you must also learn what the “new” sound is before you will understand it well.
Give yourself time to hear. Frequently, a person will say "what?" one minute and moments later realize what has been said. Pause a moment before replying and the pieces may fall into place and be understood. |
|
 |
TOP OF PAGE |
|
|
|
