If you’ve never used hearing aids before, it might take some time for you to become acclimated to them. With all the new noises and sensations that your brain has forgotten in previous years, you’re also learning how they function. You should not hesitate to contact your audiologist between sessions if you have any questions about how to use your hearing aids. Read on for more information about how to get used to wearing hearing aids.
Wear Them at Home First
Start by putting on your hearing aids at home or in another quiet place. Focus on talking to people one on one. Tell your friends and family that you’re using hearing aids so they can help you stay dedicated to better hearing as you wear your hearing aids in more difficult situations. You can also get used to your own voice by reading out loud or talking to your pet.
Have Realistic Expectations
When you start using your hearing aids for the first time, you are likely to feel frustrated. This is because your brain needs time to get used to the new sounds you hear, especially if you’ve had hearing loss for a long time. For example, most of us learn to ignore small background noises like a fridge humming, a clock ticking or paper rustling over time.
But if you haven’t heard these noises in a while, they might seem too loud and annoying. Also, if you haven’t been able to hear well for a long time, the sudden rush of background noise can be hard to handle, especially when you’re out and about.
But you shouldn’t think that this means you don’t need hearing aids. Instead, it’s all about setting realistic goals and understanding that a hearing aid is not a miracle. Your hearing will get better with hearing aids, but it won’t be completely fixed. To be successful, you need to be patient and realistic about what you can hear.
Attend Follow Up Visits
You should make as many follow-up appointments with your audiologist as you need to fine-tune the sounds of your hearing aids, adjust the fit in your ear and talk about the scenarios that are hardest for you. Most people go back to their audiologist about two weeks after their initial fitting to get their hearing aids fine-tuned and possibly adjust the volume.
Educate Yourself
Hearing is a lot more than just using your ears. In fact, hearing requires your ears, brain and other senses to work together. The better prepared you are, the more you know about your sort of hearing loss, how your hearing aids work and what you can do to tweak them in different situations. Learn how to connect them to your TV or smartphone and how they work with a hearing loop, so you feel more confident when you do go out.
Hearing problems are common, and hearing is a complicated process, so getting your brain used to certain sounds again can be hard. But you can find a lot of information online and from your audiologist about how to get used to your new hearing range.
Have Regular Breaks
If you’re having trouble getting used to your hearing aids, try slowly increasing the amount of time you spend with them until you start to feel more at ease. Gradually increase the number of hours you wear your hearing aids. For example, you might start by wearing one hearing aid for a few hours at home and then work up to wearing both at the same time.
Once you’ve gotten used to your hearing aids at home, try them out in the real world. Start with short trips until you feel more comfortable and can wear them in louder places with more background noise.
It’s all about figuring out what works for you and your body. Don’t be embarrassed or afraid to take them out and take a break if it all gets too much. If you’re having trouble, take your time and add new sounds slowly.
Keep Notes on Your Hearing
It takes a lot of work to get used to your new hearing aids, and it’s normal to feel awkward when you first start wearing them. But keeping a listening or hearing diary is a great way to track your progress. By writing down the situations where you have the most trouble hearing and how you’ve adjusted your hearing aids, you can see patterns and get a better handle on the settings and adjustments that work best for you.
For more information, please call the experts at Professional Hearing Aid Associates at (785) 940-4101.
