A wide range of devices can be used with or instead of hearing aids to help you hear better in special listening situations. Special hearing devices or a special setting of your hearing aid may be used when you need an extra boost for a difficult listening condition. Here are some examples:

Eating out. When you make a reservation, ask for a table in a quiet location with good lighting. Choose a seat with most of the restaurant behind. Hearing aids with directional microphones help you hear better what is in front of you.

Attending lectures, meetings, church. If your hearing is the same in both ears, sit close to the person speaking. If your hearing is better in one ear, sit with the better ear closest to the speaker

Watching television. There are a number of devices that are available to help you hear the television more clearly. One excellent alternative to hearing aids are special, TV attachment with headphones. They should not interfere with the television volume, so you can watch TV with the family at a comfortable volume.

Using the telephone. It takes some practice to use the phone. You may find you hear better using a phone that has a volume control. When selecting a cell phone be sure to ask for one that is compatible with your hearing aid and be sure to try it out before you purchase it.

At work. Tell your co-workers that you have a hearing loss so they can talk clearly and face you.

Theatres, banks, airports, schools. See if they offer special devices for hearing impaired such as a Loop, Infrared and FM System.

At home. Always use your hearing aids. The more you wear them, the better your brain will become at separating speech from noise. Tell friends and family that you have a hearing problem. Ask them to get your attention by speaking your name before they start talking to you. Ask them to not speak to you from another room.