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Your simple hearing action plan

Small, easy steps that really help — start today. Pick the plan that fits you. No jargon, nothing complicated.

👂 I wear hearing aids 🙂 I don't (yet)

Tick the boxes as you go. 🖨️ Print this plan

👂If you wear hearing aids

Start today
  • Put your hearing aids in first thing in the morning, like your glasses.
  • Wear them at home, even when it's quiet — your brain needs to get used to everyday sounds again.
This week
  • Wear them a little longer each day.
  • Turn on TV subtitles — and ask us to set up TV/phone sound straight to your aids.
  • When chatting, face the person and sit with your back to the noise.
  • Try one slightly busier place (a café, a small group).
Keep doing
  • Wear them every day — this is the single most important step.
  • Wipe them each night and charge them (or fit a fresh battery).
  • If anything sounds wrong, too loud, or whistles — call us for a free adjustment. Don't put up with it.

⚠️ Sudden drop in hearing, ear pain or discharge, or new one-sided/pulsing ringing? Call us and your GP/NHS 111 the same day.

🙂If you don't wear hearing aids (yet)

Start today
  • Face people when they talk and watch their lips — it really helps.
  • Turn down background noise (TV, radio) when you're chatting.
  • Ask people to rephrase, not shout — and to get your attention first.
This week
  • Switch on live captions on your phone and subtitles on your TV.
  • Book a free hearing check so you know where you stand — no pressure. Start it here →
Protect the hearing you have
  • Wear earplugs for loud places, concerts and power tools.
  • Keep headphones at a sensible volume (about 60% for no more than an hour at a time).
  • Never use cotton buds — for wax, book gentle microsuction.

⚠️ Get checked soon if one ear is worse than the other, you have ear pain or discharge, or ringing in one ear. A sudden hearing drop needs same-day medical help.

Small steps add up

You don't have to do everything at once. Tick off one or two things this week, then add more. Every step helps you hear — and stay connected to the people around you.

Want the research and the "why" behind these tips? Read the full guides:
Getting the most from your hearing aids →  ·  Living well with hearing loss →

We're here whenever you need us

Book a visit, ask our hearing assistant, or just give us a ring — friendly help, no pressure.

📅 Book online Call 0191 5111 878