You’ve been looking forward to this day for quite a while. You received 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 parts of conversations or experiencing uncomfortable transitions. But your hearing aids just don’t seem quite right.
The reason for this is that it will often take some time before you adjust to your new hearing aids. This can be an annoying transition. After all, there was so much you were looking forward to, and that adjustment period just feels so long.
But there are a few tips you can practice to reduce this transition period. Before long, with a bit of practice, you will be paying attention to what you’re hearing instead of your hearing aids.
Tips that help you start Slowly
Regardless of how technologically sophisticated they might be, it’s going to take your brain a little while to get used to hearing certain sounds again. Here are some ways you can intentionally give yourself time to adjust and take it slowly:
- Only use your hearing aids for short amounts of time at first: A few hours at a time is the most you should wear your hearing aids when you first start out. Your hearing aids will probably feel a little weird in your ears for a while so beginning slowly is okay. As your hearing aids become more comfortable, you can use them for longer periods of time.
- Start with one-on-one conversations first: If you use your hearing aids while dining at a crowded restaurant on your first day using the devices, you may be disappointed, not because the devices are doing anything wrong. It’s just that it’s difficult for your ear and brain to cope with focusing on all those different voices. By beginning with one-on-one conversations you will make the transition smoother and also get a little additional practice.
- Use your hearing aids only around the house initially: When you’re at home, you have a lot more control over what you’re hearing, and you’ll probably experience substantially less noise pollution. This means you can focus on one voice at a time.
Get extra practice with these tips
There are some things you can do, as with any skill, that can help you with hearing aid practice. You could even have a little fun!
- Turn on closed-captions when you watch TV: It’s easy: put your hearing aids in, turn on the television, and watch your favorite show. As you read the dialog you’ll also be hearing the characters speak, and your brain will start remembering what all these words sound like. This kind of practice will help you adjust to hearing speech again.
- Read along with the printed version while you listen to the audiobook.: This is a really similar exercise (and lets you get in some fun reading while you’re at it). Your brain will learn to make connections between sounds and words by employing this read along strategy.
- Do some listening exercise: That’s right: sit in a quiet place and let your ears do the hearing. Begin by tuning in to the sound of wind blowing through the trees or birds chirping or nearby running water.
Tips to keep your hearing health strong
Obviously, one of the purposes of hearing aids is to keep your hearing as healthy as possible. But, as you take some time to get accustomed to your new hearing aids, there are some things you can do that your ears will thank you for.:
- Be certain to note and let us know about any pain: Because it shouldn’t be painful to wear hearing aids. So it’s important to report any problems with fit or any pain right away.
- Keep visiting us: You may not think you need to get hearing evaluations anymore after you get your hearing aids. Nothing could be further from the truth. We can help tune your hearing aids, keep the fit comfortable, and continue to check in on your hearing. It’s essential to continue with these follow up visits.
Take your time, and build up to full-time hearing aids
Your objective here will be to work your way up to using your hearing aids full time. A slow and steady approach works quite often, but everyone’s unique. You’ll want to get individualized advice from us on the best way for you to get accustomed to your new hearing aid.
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 enhance your life.