Lets look at some strategies to assist with hearing to help maximise enjoyment of technology;
Wear your hearing aids
Use the volume control. Remember loudest is not always better. Judge the volume which best suits you.
Use caption/subtitles to help follow screen activity i.e. DVD's, TV's, online videos
Minimise external noise. Headphones can help cut out background noise. There are Blue tooth and Wireless versions, which are sometimes easier to use, as there are no cords attached. Often older people find earbuds uncomfortable and obviously they cannot be used with hearing aids.
Avoid areas with echo and reverberation (i.e. a room with carpet and soft furnishings is better)
When listening to music on a tablet or iPad, select YouTube or iTube to include the lyrics
If you are having difficulty with phones try an amplified telephone
Alternatively try FaceTime or Skype to help with facial expression cues, speech and lip reading.
Email and messaging are another useful alternative
For a wonderful example of the power of hearing music and its effect on an older person, go to YouTube and meet Henry. I dare you not to shed a tear!
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