Since hearing loss happens slow, you might have forgotten how your own voice sounds. Adjusting to hearing it once again can be one of the biggest challenges you encounter when first wearing a hearing aid. The more often you wear them though, the more natural your voice will sound again. 

Listening takes effort – physically and emotionally. A hearing aid can make it easier for you to hear, functionally, but you’ll also need to listen, emotionally. It’s a process known as ‘active listening’. Listen to what people really say by facing each speaker, engage in the conversation and watch their face and gestures as they speak. Don't be afraid to ask for clarification if you missed part of the conversation. It can help to repeat the parts you did hear, so the speaker knows how to better communicate what you missed back to you. Becoming an active listener will help you improve communication and can help you feel happier and more positive.