6 Ways to Get Used to Hearing Aids

When you first get fitted with a hearing aid, you will first notice the fantastic clarity of the sounds you have been missing until now. There will be a short adjustment period while you get used to the device you and your audiologist selected.

The audiologist will ensure that the hearing aid is fitted well and adjusted to your needs, but you might still need a few great tips to help you get comfortable with your new device. Transitioning to wearing a hearing aid won’t take long, and it will be more than worth it!

Feeling

Aside from the ability to hear better, you will next notice how the hearing aid fits against your skin. There are many different types of hearing aid, and the one you choose might be in the ear or sit behind the ear. Either way, you will have a new sensation that you need to get comfortable with. Just like when you wear glasses for the first time, it won’t take long before you don’t even notice them. 

If you wear glasses and a behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aid, you’ll need to get used to putting and taking off your glasses in a new way. You can practice a slight adjustment a few times until you get your technique down. 

Time

Now you have your new hearing aid or aids; you will expect to wear them through your waking hours. However, you might choose to wear them for just a few hours a day in the first few days or weeks of having them. 

Wearing your hearing aid for more hours will mean that you will be able to give your audiologist more information about the adjustments that will be made after. You will notice some noises that might be irritating or distracting – your audiologist will help you get the best from the hearing aid. 

Start Slow

On the day you have your hearing aid fitted; it can be a good idea to stick to a quieter environment. This will help your ears adjust to all the new sounds they can now pick up. Sounds like ticking clocks, the traffic outside and other general sounds might feel louder than they are. 

Your brain adjusts to not hearing them when you have hearing loss, and a hearing aid reintroduces those noises. At first, they might feel bothersome, but over time they will be less noticeable – even though you can still hear them. 

Groups of People 

Talking in groups is something that people with hearing loss often find uncomfortable because it is easy to miss parts of the conversion. However, with your newly fitted hearing aid, you’ll be able to hear all of the conversations. 

When you regularly miss parts of the conversation, you get used to looking at the faces of those around you for social cues and lip-reading. It is good to keep that practice so that your brain can start making the connections between those vocal patterns – while still using the mouth movements as a cue. 

Often your friends and family will have adapted how they communicate with you before your hearing aid, and you might notice that a little more. Over time the group conversations will become more natural. 

Volume

Your audiologist will set your hearing aid up, so you get the best experience. Most modern hearing aids will automatically adjust to the sounds around them and make sure that you don’t experience sounds too loudly or too quietly. 

Don’t be tempted to turn your hearing aid too high as this can damage your ears, and you won’t be getting the best experience – instead, you’ll just be getting a loud experience. Keeping your hearing aid at a reasonable volume will mean your hearing aids allow your ears to work like those without hearing loss. 

What Is an Average Volume?

When you have hearing loss, you will adjust the volume of the radio and TV to meet your needs. This volume is usually much louder than those without hearing loss. Ask your friends or family to adjust all your electronics to be at a normal volume. Keep to that setting consistently to enjoy your favorite shows and music at the best volume. 

In addition, many public places offer a looping system, and you can practice using it. A looping system means you will receive a wireless signal to the telecoil within your hearing aid. Your audiologist will tell you in advance if you have a telecoil and how you can use it. For all your hearing aid needs, get in touch with Atlantic Audiology at (401) 262-0170.