As a basic rule, most people don’t like change. Taking this into account, there can be a double edged sword regarding hearing aids: they open up an exciting new world of sounds for you, but they also represent a considerable modification of your life. If your someone who appreciates a very fixed routine, the change can be hard. There are very specific hurdles with new hearing aids. But making this change a positive one is largely about understanding how to adjust to these devices.
Here Are Some Quick Ways to Adapt to Your New Hearing Aids
Whether it’s your first set of hearing aids (congrats!) or an improvement to a more powerful set, any new hearing aid will be a considerable improvement to how you hear. That could be challenging depending on your circumstances. But your transition might be a bit easier if you follow these guidelines.
When You First Get Your Hearing Aids Only Wear Them Intermittently
As a basic rule, the more you wear your hearing aids, the healthier your ears will be. But it can be a little uncomfortable when you’re breaking them in if you use them for 18 hours a day. You could begin by trying to use your hearing aids for 8 hours at a time, and then gradually build up your stamina.
Practice Tuning in to Conversations
When your brain first begins to hear sound again it will likely need an adjustment period. You may have a hard time hearing speech with clarity 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 doing exercises such as reading along with an audiobook.
Get a Fitting For Your Hearing Aids
One of the initial things you’ll do – even before you get your final hearing aids – is go through a fitting process. Maximizing comfort, taking account of the shape of your ear canal, and adjusting for your individual loss of hearing are all things that a fitting helps with. More than one adjustment could be needed. It’s essential to consult us for follow-up appointments and to be serious about these fittings. When your hearing aids fit properly, your hearing aids will sit more comfortably and sound better. We can also help you make adjustments to various hearing conditions.
Troubleshoot
Sometimes adapting to a new hearing aid is somewhat difficult because something’s not functioning quite right. Possibly you hear too much feedback (which can be uncomfortable). It can also be infuriating when the hearing aid keeps cutting out. It can be overwhelming to adjust to hearing aids because of these kinds of problems, so it’s a good idea to find solutions as soon as possible. Try these tips:
- Charge your hearing aids every day or exchange the batteries. When the batteries on your hearing aids begin to decline, they normally do not work as efficiently as they’re meant to.
- Consult your hearing professional to be sure that the hearing aids are properly calibrated to your hearing loss.
- Discuss any buzzing or ringing with your hearing specialist. Sometimes, your cell phone will cause interference with your hearing aid. In other situations, it may be that we need to make some adjustments.
- If you hear a lot of feedback, ensure that your hearing aids are correctly seated in your ears (it might be that your fit is just a little off) and that there aren’t any blockages (earwax for instance).
Adjusting to Your New Hearing Aids Has Its Advantages
It might take a little time to adjust to your new hearing aids just as it would with a new pair of glasses. Hopefully, you will have a smoother and faster transition with these tips. But you will be surprised how natural it will become if you stay with it and get into a routine. But before too long you will be able to place your attention on what your listening to: like your favorite shows or music or the daily discussions you’ve missed. These sounds remind you that all those adjustments are worth it ultimately. And change is good.
