Getting fitted with hearing aids for the first time can be both thrilling and a little overwhelming. Taking the action to enhance your hearing can have a powerful impact, allowing you to engage more completely in discussions, reinforce relationships with family and friends, and restore a deeper connection to the sounds that enrich your daily life. With any unfamiliar situation, it’s common to have questions, particularly regarding the comfort of wearing hearing aids and the time needed to get used to them.
Many first-time users are uncertain what to expect. Will the devices feel bulky or awkward? Will everyday sounds feel too loud? Will it take a long time to get used to them? These apprehensions are common, but with the correct support and a bit of determination, most people discover that hearing aids become a worry-free and essential part of daily life.
Let’s delve into what to anticipate during the adjustment period and how you can make the transition as smooth as possible.
What you can anticipate during the first period of adjustment
Do hearing aids produce discomfort? Initially, they might take some getting used to, especially if you’re not accustomed to having objects in your ears. Just like using a new pair of glasses or adjusting to a watch, it takes time for your brain and body to adjust.
You will observe the most substantial changes in two primary areas in the initial weeks of using hearing aids.
Physical sensation
You might at first detect some pressure or unfamiliarity in your ear canal. It is standard and common for many experts in hearing health to suggest a gradual strategy to using the device, beginning with a few hours daily and gradually extending the time.
A little discomfort is okay, but pain is not. If your devices create discomfort or irritation, don’t wait to get in touch with your hearing care specialist. They can adjust the fit or try a different style better suited to your ear shape.
Sound perception
One of the most surprising parts of the adjustment process is hearing daily sounds that you may not have heard before.
Initially, every day sounds like the fridge’s gentle thrum, birds chirping, or the creak of your own footsteps can seem abnormally loud. This is because your brain is learning to deal with a wider range of sounds again.
It might feel overwhelming, but your brain will slowly learn to filter out trivial background sound and focus on what really matters, like voices and music. This is just your auditory system “retraining” itself.
Tips to enhance hearing aid comfort and performance
Fortunately, there are various techniques available to help in making you feel secure and positive as you acclimate to your new hearing devices.
1. Start slowly
You don’t need to feel obligated to wear your hearing aids all day immediately. Start out with dedicating one to four hours daily, especially in tranquil settings such as your home.
Gradually increase as you become more comfortable with the feel and sound of the hearing aids.
2. Practice makes perfect
Try wearing your hearing aids while engaging in activities that help your brain adapt. Listening to audiobooks while reading along or watching movies with subtitles can help strengthen speech recognition and enhance your listening skills in an enjoyable and stimulating way.
3. Keep to communicate with your audiologist.
Performance and fit are directly connected. If something doesn’t seem right, whether it’s how the device fits in your ear or how the sound is being processed, don’t wait. Your audiologist can calibrate your hearing aids and offer suggestions for enhanced benefits. In some cases, a custom-fit hearing aid may be the best option for your distinct ear shape and requirements.
Embracing your new hearing experience
You can expect a short transition time as you get used to using your hearing aids. Through routine wear, diligent upkeep, and assistance from your audiologist, these devices will rapidly become an essential part of your daily life.
Rather than focusing on the device itself, your attention will change to the joys of clearer conversations, nature sounds, music, and everyday interactions.
The path to success lies in perseverance, commitment, and taking charge of your wellness. Pretty soon, your hearing aids will not only enhance your auditory experience, but also transform your overall quality of life.