You’ve been waiting for this day for a long time. You got your new hearing aids. You’re so excited to be able to dive into your social life again. Now, you won’t be missing elements of conversations or experiencing uncomfortable transitions. But your hearing aids just don’t sound quite right.
The reason for this is that it will usually take some time before you adjust to your new hearing aids. Sometimes, this transition can be annoying. You were so looking forward to enjoying your hearing again and it feels like it’s taking so long.
The good news is, there are some tips that can help speed up the transition process. With a little practice, you can quickly get yourself to a space where you’re thinking less about your hearing aids, and tuning in to what you’re hearing.
Tips that help you start Slowly
Regardless of how technologically sophisticated they may be, it’s going to take your brain some time to get used to hearing certain sounds again. Here are some ways you can purposely give yourself time to adjust and take it slowly:
- Wear your hearing aids for a short duration: A few hours at a time is the most you should use your hearing aids when you first start out. Your hearing aids will most likely feel a little strange in your ears for a while so starting slowly is fine. As your hearing aids become more comfortable, you can wear them for longer durations.
- Begin by wearing your hearing aids at home only: When you’re at home, you have much more control over what you’re hearing, and you’ll likely experience significantly less noise pollution. This will help you focus on individual voices.
- At first, try to focus on one-on-one conversations: You could be setting yourself up for frustration if you use your hearing aids in a crowded environment on the first day. It’s just that it’s hard for your ear and brain to deal with focusing on all those different voices. Sticking to one-on-one conversations can help make that transition smoother (and give you a little extra practice, too).
Get additional practice with these tips
There are some activities, as with any skill, that can help you with hearing aid practice. Some of these are even enjoyable!
- Read along with the printed version while you listen to the audiobook.: This comparable exercise can also be very enjoyable. Reading and listening to an audiobook concurrently will help your brain make connections between words and sound.
- Use closed-captions when you watch TV: It’s easy: Turn on the TV, put your hearing aids in, and enjoy. Your brain will begin remembering what certain words sound like when you read along with the voices you’re hearing. This sort of practice will help you get used to hearing speech again.
- Do some listening practice: That’s right: Sit someplace a little quiet and experience the sounds around you. Start off by focusing on the sound of wind blowing through the trees or birds singing or nearby running water.
Strengthen your hearing health with these tips
Keeping your ears as healthy as you can, after all, is one of the primary purposes of hearing aids. And there are a few tips you can do to keep your ears happy as you get used to using your new hearing aid:
- If you’re experiencing any pain, be sure you document it and tell us about it.: Because it shouldn’t hurt to wear hearing aids. So if you’re experiencing any pain or something’s not fitting right, it’s important to report it as soon as possible.
- Keep visiting us: You might not think you need to get hearing evaluations anymore after you get your hearing aids. This would be the worst idea. We can help adjust your hearing aids, keep the fit comfortable, and continue to check in on your hearing. It’s essential to continue with these follow up appointments.
Take your time, and build up to full-time hearing aids
Your objective here will be to work your way up to wearing your hearing aids full time. Everybody’s unique but the slow and steady strategy usually works best. Learning the best ways to get comfortable with your new hearing aids is something we can help you with.
Sticking with these tips (and tips like them) can help ensure that you enjoy having your hearing aids and that you keep using them because they continue to enrich your life.