Getting your hearing aids is an exciting time. Hearing aids are innovative pieces of technology that transform hearing for millions of people who live with hearing loss. These devices are designed to provide the ears and brain with ample support, making it easier to hear and communicate in everyday environments. It is important to know that it may take you a second to adjust to your new hearing aids. Learning to hear in a new one and hearing new sounds can take a bit getting used to. But there are ways you can adjust to your new device with ease. Practicing the following strategies can significantly help with your transition:
- Ask questions during fitting. You will receive your hearing aids during your hearing aid fitting appointment (after having your hearing loss assessed and diagnosed). This appointment is all about programming your device with the effective settings that meet your hearing needs. It is also the time you learn all about your hearing aids and how to best use and maintain them. It is important to really absorb this information, it may be helpful to take a loved one with you to also track everything you learn. We encourage you to maximize your hearing aid fitting appointment by taking the time to ask all the questions you have about your hearing aids. This includes how to operate and manage hearing aid settings, how to clean your device, what supplies you need, how to troubleshoot common problems that may arise etc. Your hearing healthcare provider is there to answer all of your questions and to ensure that you are comfortable with your new hearing aids.
- Expect an adjustment period. It is helpful to know what you can expect with hearing aids. This includes that there is an adjustment period that involves acclimating to your new device. Hearing aids are unlike glasses, which you put on and vision is instantly enhanced. Using hearing aids involves retraining your ears and brain to process sound in a new way. This involves hearing a range of sounds you likely haven’t heard in quite some time which can be overwhelming or overstimulating. It is important to be patient and understand that you need to get used to processing sound in this new way.
- Start at home. A great way to transition into wearing hearing aids is to start by wearing them at home. Starting in an environment that you are already familiar with and comfortable in is an effective way to introduce new sounds and listening experiences. You may hear the microwave differently or cars passing by and activity outside in ways that you hadn’t before. But being at home can still put you at ease and help you navigate these sounds more comfortably. It also allows you to experience a space you are already really familiar with with your hearing aids and observe how your hearing is different.
- Practice with loved ones. The adjustment period also involves learning how to communicate with hearing aids in ways that best support your hearing needs. You may hear your own voice differently, have greater access to sounds and speech, and need others to make adjustments so that your hearing is maximized. You will learn these things the more you engage in conversation. A great way to do this is to start by communicating with your loved ones. This puts less pressure on yourself and allows you to be more comfortable.
- Attend follow-up appointments. It is also important to attend follow-up appointments with your hearing healthcare provider. This allows you to discuss the progress you are making with your hearing aids, any challenges you are experiencing, and to make any changes to your hearing aid settings so that your hearing needs are being met optimally. You can also learn more about additional technologies and features that may benefit your everyday life.
Hearing aids not only transform hearing, but overall health and wellness. These devices strengthen communication, relationships, and social engagement which enhances quality of life. Practicing strategies to adjust to your new hearing aids can help you get the most out of them. Contact us today to learn more about hearing aids and how you can successfully adjust to your new device.