People typically don’t like change. Taking this into consideration, there can be a double edged sword with hearing aids: they create an amazing new world of sounds for you, but they also represent a considerable transformation of your life. If your a person who enjoys a very fixed routine, the change can be difficult. There are very specific hurdles with new hearing aids. But knowing how to adjust to these devices can help make sure your new hearing aids will be a change you will welcome.
Tips to Help You Adjust More Quickly to Your Hearing Aids
Your hearing will be considerably enhanced whether you are getting your first hearing aids or upgrading to a more powerful model. Depending on your personal circumstances, that could represent a big adjustment. Following these guidelines may make your transition a little more comfortable.
When You First Get Your Hearing Aids Only Wear Them Intermittently
The more you wear your hearing aids, as a general rule, the healthier your ears will be. But if you’re breaking in your very first pair, using your hearing aids for 18 hours a day can be a little unpleasant. You might begin by trying to use your hearing aids for 8 hours at a time, and then steadily build up your endurance.
Practice Tuning in to Conversations
When your brain first begins to hear sound again it will most likely need a transition period. You could have a difficult time making out speech clearly or following conversations during this adjustment time. But if you want to reset the hearing-language-and-interpreting region of your brain, you can try practicing techniques like reading along with an audiobook.
Get a Fitting For Your Hearing Aids
Even before you get your final hearing aids, one of the first things you will have to do – is go through a fitting process. The fitting procedure helps adjust the device to your individual hearing loss, differences in the shape of your ear canal, and help enhance comfort. More than one adjustment might be needed. It’s crucial to consult us for follow-up appointments and to take these fittings seriously. When your hearing aids fit well, your devices will sit more comfortably and sound more natural. We can also help you make adjustments to various hearing conditions.
Troubleshoot
Sometimes adapting to a new hearing aid is a bit difficult because something’s not functioning properly. Possibly you hear too much feedback (which can be painful). It can also be infuriating when the hearing aid keeps cutting out. These types of issues can make it overwhelming to adapt to your hearing aids, so it’s a good idea to find solutions as soon as possible. Try these guidelines:
- Talk over any ringing or buzzing with your hearing specialist. Occasionally, your cell phone can cause interference with your hearing aid. In other situations, it could be that we have to make some adjustments.
- Charge your hearing aids every evening or replace the batteries. When the batteries on your hearing aids begin to diminish, they often do not work as effectively as they’re meant to.
- Ask your hearing specialist to double check that the hearing aids are correctly calibrated to your loss of hearing.
- If you notice a lot of feedback, ensure that your hearing aids are correctly sitting in your ears (it could be that your fit is just a little off) and that there are no obstructions (such as excess earwax).
Adapting to Your New Hearing Aids Has Its Advantages
Just as it would with a new pair of glasses, it may take you a bit of time to adjust to your new hearing aids. Hopefully, you will have a smoother and quicker transition with these recommendations. But if you stay with it – if you get yourself into a routine with your hearing aids and really invest in adapting to them – you’ll be pleased by how it all becomes second-nature. But before long you will be able to put your attention on what your listening to: like your favorite programs or music or the daily discussions you’ve been missing. Ultimately all these adjustments are well worth it. And change is good.