Listening to your MP3 player
Always follow the 60/60 rule. Audiologists recommend safe exposure as being 60 minutes a day with the volume no higher than 60 percent. If you listen for more than 60 minutes, you should turn the volume down below 60 percent.
Set the volume when you are in a quiet environment and don't turn up the volume to block out noisy surroundings.
Follow this simple rule of thumb: if you can't hear other people talking when you're wearing headphones, or if other people have to shout at you to be heard a metre away, it's too loud and could be damaging your hearing.
Getting a hearing aid
The key to getting the best hearing aid is the person who fits it. Always have a hearing aid fitted by a registered audiologist. The NZ Audiological Society provides a full list of members on its website. If you're concerned about who to see, get recommendations from your doctor, local hearing association, a hearing therapist, or friends.
Don't expect too much, particularly at first. It will take time and perseverance to get used to wearing hearing aids to get the maximum benefit from them.
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