Adapting To Your Hearing Aids: Simple Tips For First-Timers

People who suffer from hearing loss often assume that once they get hearing aids, their hearing will go "back to normal," and they'll be able to hear like they did years ago. However, this is not necessarily the case. Listening through hearing aids is a bit like listening to something through speakers. The sounds are amplified and can seem a little distorted — something you will need to adapt to. If you just got hearing aids and are struggling to get used to the "different" sound they produce, here are a few tips to help.

Wear them for a few hours per day.

You do not need to wear your hearing aids 24-7 from the onset. Instead, set goals for yourself. Make it your goal to wear them for 2 hours a day for the first week, and 4 hours per day for the second week. Then, try wearing them for 8 hours per day in week 3. Of course, you can adapt this schedule to fit your own needs. Slowly transitioning into wearing hearing aids gives your brain time to adapt to the sounds they produce so that you don't feel so overwhelmed.

Read to yourself.

Spend 20 minutes or so reading to yourself each day while wearing your hearing aids. This will help you get a better idea of how loudly you need to speak when wearing them. Many people with hearing aids either speak too loudly or too softly when they first start wearing them. Reading also helps you get used to the sound of someone talking without having to bother someone to talk to you. Read something you love to make the activity more engaging!

Spend time with understanding friends.

You are going to have times when you get overwhelmed by the sounds produced by your hearing aids or when you have to ask someone, "What did you say?" This can be embarrassing when it happens with people you do not know well. So plan on spending time with friends and family members who are more understanding during this time. This way, you can get the awkward adjustments out of the way with these people before you venture into public wearing your hearing aids.

Check in with your doctor.

About two weeks after you get your hearing aids, check in with your doctor. Tell them how you are adapting and bring up any struggles you're having. Based on your feedback, they can help you adjust the volume or fit to make future experiences better.

For more information, contact a company like Audiology Consultants, P.C.

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