People normally don’t like change. Taking this into account, there can be a double edged sword regarding hearing aids: your life will undergo a huge change but they also will bring exciting new possibilities. That level of change can be tricky, specifically if you’re the type of person that enjoys the quiet comfort of your every day routine. New hearing aids can introduce a few distinct challenges. But making this change a positive one is largely about understanding how to adjust to these devices.
Guidelines to Help You Adapt More Quickly to Your Hearing Aids
Your hearing will be dramatically enhanced whether you are getting your first hearing aids or upgrading to a more powerful design. That could be quite a challenge depending on your circumstances. But your transition might be a little bit smoother if you follow these guidelines.
Start Using Your Hearing Aids in Smaller Doses
As a basic rule, the more you use your hearing aids, the healthier your ears will stay. 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 wear your hearing aids for 8 hours intervals, and then gradually build up your stamina.
Practice Tuning in to Conversations
When your brain is first able to hear sound again it will likely need a transition period. You may have a tough time hearing speech clearly or following conversations during this adjustment period. But practicing using listening or reading drills (such as reading along to an audiobook) can help the language-hearing-and-interpreting portion of your brain wake back up.
Get a Fitting For Your Hearing Aids
One of the first things you’ll do – even before you receive your final hearing aids – is go through a fitting process. Improving comfort, taking account of the shape of your ear canal, and adjusting for your personal hearing loss are all things that a fitting can help with. Several adjustments could be required. It’s crucial to come see us for follow-up appointments and to take these fittings seriously. Your hearing aids will sound better and will sit more comfortably if they fit well. We can also assist you in making adjustments to different hearing conditions.
Troubleshoot
Sometimes adjusting to a new hearing aid is somewhat difficult because something’s not working quite right. If there is too much feedback that can be painful. Or perhaps the hearing aid keeps falling out (which can be frustrating). It can be hard to adjust to hearing aids because of these kinds of problems, so it’s a good idea to find solutions as early as possible. Try these guidelines:
- Talk over any ringing or buzzing with your hearing specialist. Sometimes, your cell phone will cause interference with your hearing aid. In other instances, it could be that we need to make some adjustments.
- If you notice a lot of feedback, make sure that your hearing aids are correctly seated in your ears (it could be that your fit is just a bit off) and that there are no blockages (earwax for instance).
- Ask your hearing expert to double check that the hearing aids are properly calibrated to your hearing loss.
- Charge your hearing aids every evening or exchange the batteries. When the batteries on your hearing aids begin to decline, they normally don’t work as efficiently as they’re intended to.
Adjusting to Your New Hearing Aids Has Its Benefits
It might take a little time to adjust to your new hearing aids just like it would with new glasses. Ideally, you will have a smoother and faster transition with these suggestions. But if you stick with it – if you get yourself into a regimen with your hearing aids and really invest in adjusting to them – you’ll be pleased by how it all becomes second-nature. And once that occurs, you’ll be able to devote your attention to the things you’re actually listening to: like the daily discussion you’ve been missing or your favorite music. These sounds will remind you that all those adjustments are worth it in the end. And change is good.