You finally got your new hearing aids. You’re finally going to be able to get back into the swing of your social life again. Now, you won’t be missing parts of conversations or going through uncomfortable transitions. But there’s a problem: everything sounds just a little off.
The reason for this is that it will usually take a bit of time before you adjust to your new hearing aids. This can be an annoying transition. You were so looking forward to enjoying your hearing again and it feels like it’s hard to be patient.
Luckily, there are some tips that can help speed up the transition process. With a little practice, you can quickly get yourself to a place where you’re thinking less about your hearing aids, and tuning in to what you’re hearing.
Tips that help you start Slowly
Your brain will take a little time to get used to hearing certain sounds again no matter how sophisticated your hearing aids are. Use these tips to proceed slowly and deliberately give your ears time to adapt.:
- First, try to focus on one-on-one conversations: If you use your hearing aids while eating at a crowded restaurant on your first day using the devices, you could be discouraged, not because the devices aren’t working. It’s just that it’s hard for your ear and brain to cope with focusing on all those different voices. Sticking to one-on-one conversations can help make that transition easier (and give you a little extra practice, too).
- Use your hearing aids for a short period of time: When you’re just beginning, you can practice by using your hearing aids for only a few hours at a time. Your hearing aids will most likely feel a little strange in your ears for a while so beginning slowly is okay. You can start to wear your hearing aids for longer durations as you get used to them.
- Start by wearing your hearing aids at home only: You’ll be less likely to encounter noise pollution at home and you will be able to have a greater degree of control over the sounds you’re hearing. This will help you focus on individual voices.
Tips that help you get added practice in
Much like any other skill (and hearing is a skill, among other things), there are a few activities that can help you practice with your hearing aids. You may even have a little fun!
- Just practice hearing: That’s right: Sit somewhere a little quiet and take in the sounds around you. You can practice by concentrating on trying to hear the refrigerator running or the cat meowing in the other room or the birds chirping outside.
- Watch TV with the closed-captions on: It’s easy: Turn the TV on, 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 type of practice will help you get used to hearing speech again.
- Read along with the printed book while you listen to the audiobook.: This is a really similar exercise (and lets you have some fun reading while you’re at it). Your brain will learn to make associations between words and sounds by employing this read along strategy.
Tips to keep your hearing health up
Of course, one of the purposes of hearing aids is to keep your hearing as healthy as possible. And there are some tips you can do to keep your ears happy as you get used to wearing your new hearing aid:
- Be certain to note and report any pain: Because it shouldn’t hurt to wear hearing aids. So it’s important to report any problems with fit or any pain right away.
- Keep visiting us: There might be a temptation to believe that once you’ve got the right hearing aids, you won’t need to see us anymore. This would be the worst idea. We can continue to watch your hearing, make certain the fit is comfortable, and make any needed adjustments. It’s essential to continue with these follow up visits.
Be patient, 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 progressive strategy works quite often, but everybody’s different. Learning the best ways to get comfortable with your new hearing aids is something we can assist you with.
These tips will help you have a more enjoyable and enriched life with your new hearing aids.
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The site information is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. To receive a personalized free hearing test and hearing loss consultation, call today to set up an appointment.
