For many of us, adjusting to new hearing aids can be a challenge. Whether you’re dealing with a new diagnosis of hearing loss and using a hearing device for the first time or simply upgrading to a new model, it’s important to remember that there is a learning curve involved. Here are a few tips to help you make the most of your new hearing aid experience.
Wear your hearing aids as often as possible
It can take some time to get used to wearing hearing aids. At first, you may find the experience overwhelming as you suddenly begin hearing a range of sounds your brain previously was not processing. It is important to push through the minor discomforts during this initial adjustment period, as your brain will gradually become accustomed to filtering out background noises and begin focusing on the sounds that are most important to you. The best way to accelerate this process is to wear your hearing aids for several hours each day. With time, you will find that wearing hearing aids becomes second nature and allows you to enjoy a richer and more fulfilling quality of life.
Remember to take breaks
You may find that all the new sounds you are now able to perceive can be overwhelming in the first few days. It is ok to take a break from wearing your hearing aids and allow your ears and mind some time to relax. You may find that you need to turn down the volume on your hearing aids or even remove them altogether in certain situations where there is a lot of background noise. However, with time and repeated use, you will adjust to wearing your hearing device all day long with no issues.
Practice reading aloud and engage in conversations
When first using your new hearing aids, it can take some time to get accustomed to the sound of your own voice. Hearing aids amplify sound, making your voice seem louder and clearer than before. As a result, you may feel as if you don’t sound like your usual self. This can be a bit strange at first, but there are a few ways to quickly adjust to the new sound of your voice. One way is by reading aloud. The more you hear yourself speak, the more natural the sound of your speech becomes. Another way to adjust is by conversing with your family while wearing hearing aids. This will not only further acclimate you to the sound of your voice, but it will also make it easier to follow conversations and hear each word your loved ones say. With continued practice, you will be genuinely comfortable with your voice and the voices of those around you in a matter of days.
Spend time listening amidst background noise
Once you are comfortable with hearing all the new sounds in your home and have become fully accustomed to having conversations with your amplified voice, the next step is to enter the world outside and become acclimated to hearing in background noise. For example, schedule some social activities with friends or family in a restaurant or coffee shop. You can even just go relax at a public park on your own to take in all the sounds and noises around you. Over time, you will fully adapt to listening and speaking in any environment, and adjusting your hearing device’s settings will become second nature.
Schedule a follow-up visit
As with any new experience in life, getting used to wearing your hearing aid can be a bit difficult at first. Therefore, scheduling a follow-up visit with your provider a week or two after the first fitting is highly recommended. This way, your provider can ensure that the device’s fit is perfectly suited to your hearing requirements. Additionally, any problems with the sound amplification settings can be easily adjusted and fine-tuned to your preference.
A follow-up visit is also a great opportunity for you to ask your provider any new questions that may have arisen while wearing your hearing aid. Do you need advice on changing your device’s settings in a noisy environment? Are you having difficulty finding music listening sources specifically geared toward your hearing device? Make an appointment today to ensure you receive the best listening experience possible!