DEAR DOCTOR K: After years of living with hearing loss, I am soon going to get my first hearing aid. Anything I should know ahead of time to be prepared? DEAR READER: The first thing many new users of hearing aids notice is that sounds seem strange. Think of how different your own voice sounds when you listen to a tape recording of yourself. You may also be more aware than ever before of your footsteps, your car’s motor, the sounds you make as you chew your food, and just about any other environmental noise. Many hearing aids can be adjusted to lower the volume of unwanted noise. But more important, with time, your brain will get better at tuning it out.

Over the last six years since I turned 60, I have found getting older is a series of adventures: never knowing what to expect next.

DEAR DOCTOR K: I saw my doctor for some problems with my hearing. Why did she want a detailed list of my medications?

DEAR DOCTOR K: I am losing my hearing, and my doctor wants me to get two hearing aids. Is this really necessary?