What do you think will happen when you put your hearing aids in for the first time? It’s important to be aware of the reality of the adjustment period, whether it’s your first pair or an upgrade from your current hearing aids.
Here’s what to expect when wearing new hearing devices.
It Will Take Time to Adapt
Hearing aids aren’t like glasses, which provide instant correction. Your brain needs time to reacquaint itself with processing the auditory stimuli it’s been missing.
Adjusting to hearing aids takes a few days or weeks depending on your type and degree of hearing loss, hearing aid style and features. It’s important to be patient with yourself as you get accustomed to your hearing devices.
Sounds will be louder and clearer, but your brain must relearn how to filter and ignore background audio. That means you might notice noises like a clock ticking or a refrigerator humming more than before.
Your Voice May Sound Different
It’s common to experience a blocked sensation in your ears as you get used to wearing your devices. The design of your hearing aid could partially or completely cover your ear canal, contributing to that sense of fullness and making your voice seem hollow. The mics in your hearing aids may also make your voice sound louder since they’re close to your mouth.
Conversations Are More Enjoyable
Hearing aids are designed to amplify and clarify speech. Some devices have directional microphones that are programmed to focus on noises in front of you, which is helpful if you’re speaking to someone in a noisy environment.
With enhanced audio, you’re less likely to crane your head forward to hear or read lips to understand. That allows you to be present during conversation and can make socializing more pleasant.
Your Hearing Aids Should Be Comfortable
It can take time for you to get used to the sensation of hearing aids. Your ears may feel slightly sore for a few days as you get accustomed to wearing an earpiece. Your devices should fit snuggly, but you should never experience pain, so talk to your audiologist about getting your hearing aids refitted if you’re uncomfortable.
Hearing Aids Require Maintenance
You should practice inserting and removing your devices, handling the setting buttons and replacing batteries. There are also different types of hearing aid batteries that you’ll need to consider unless your devices are rechargeable. You should clean your hearing aids daily and store them in a secure space away from children and pets. There are plenty of tips for cleaning hearing aids, so find the best practices that suit your hearing devices and personal preferences.
It’s also important to take your hearing aids to your audiologist periodically for a thorough cleaning and adjustment. Your hearing may change over time, so you should have your devices tweaked appropriately.
You’ll Have Follow-Up Appointments
Most hearing devices come with an evaluation period so you can determine if they’re right for you. Digital hearing aids have various settings that allow you to customize your listening experience, so you’ll receive follow-up care to adjust them appropriately. Your doctor or hearing instrument specialist will also walk you through setting up Bluetooth connection on compatible devices if you have wireless connectivity.
The expert team at Hearing Associates is committed to helping you find the right hearing aids to suit your needs. We will set up a series of appointments to ensure your devices are comfortable and functional.