You finally got your new hearing aids. You’re finally going to be able to get back into the groove of 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 get used to your new hearing aids. This can be a frustrating transition. After all, there was so much you were excited to do, and that adjustment period just feels so long.
But there are some tips you can use to decrease this transition period. With a little practice, you can quickly get yourself to a place where you’re thinking less about your hearing aids, and paying more attention to what you’re hearing.
Tips that help you start Slowly
Your brain will take a little while to get accustomed to hearing certain sounds again regardless of how sophisticated your hearing aids are. Here are a few ways you can purposely give yourself time to adjust and start things off slowly:
- Wear your hearing aids only around the house initially: You’ll be less likely to experience noise pollution at home and you will be able to have a greater amount of control over the sounds you’re hearing. This means you can focus on one voice at a time.
- At first, try to pay attention to one-on-one conversations: You could be setting yourself up for frustration if you wear your hearing aids in a crowded environment right out of the box. It’s just that it’s hard for your ear and brain to manage focusing on all those different voices. By beginning with one-on-one conversations you will make the transition easier and also get a little additional practice.
- Only use your hearing aids for short periods of time at first: When you’re just starting, you can practice by wearing your hearing aids for only a few hours at a time. They might feel a little uncomfortable at first (this is normal), so it’s okay to start slowly. As your hearing aids get more comfortable, you can use them for longer durations.
Tips that help you get extra practice in
There are some things you can do, as with any skill, that can help you with hearing aid practice. You might even have a little fun!
- Watch TV with the closed-captions enabled: It’s easy: put your hearing aids in, turn on the television, and watch your favorite program. Your brain will begin remembering what certain words sound like as you read along with the voices you’re hearing. This can give you some practice hearing and adjusting to speech.
- Do some listening exercise: That’s right: sit in a quiet room and let your ears do the hearing. Begin by tuning in to the sound of wind blowing through the trees or birds singing or nearby running water.
- Read along with the printed version while you listen to the audiobook.: This similar exercise can also be really enjoyable. Your brain will learn to make associations between sounds and words by employing this read along technique.
Tips to keep your hearing health strong
Keeping your ears as healthy as you can, after all, is one of the principal purposes of hearing aids. But, as you take some time to get used to your new hearing aids, there are some things you can do that your ears will thank you for.:
- Keep visiting us: There might be a temptation to think that once you’ve got the right hearing aids, you won’t need to see us anymore. Nothing could be further from the truth. We can help adjust your hearing aids, keep the fit comfortable, and continue to keep an eye on your hearing. It’s important to continue with these follow up appointments.
- If you’re experiencing any pain, be sure you take note of it and tell us about it.: Your hearing aids shouldn’t hurt. So if you’re noticing any pain or something’s not fitting right, it’s important to report it as soon as you can.
Go slow and increase your time as you get accustomed to your hearing aids
Working your way up to using your hearing aids full time is the goal here. A slow and steady approach is often effective, but everyone’s unique. Understanding the best ways to get comfortable with your new hearing aids is something we can help you with.
These tips will help you live a more enjoyable and enriched life with your new hearing aids.