You finally got those new hearing aids. You’re so excited to be able to dive into your social life again. No more bad transitions or unclear conversations. But your hearing aids just don’t sound quite right.
The reason for this is that it will normally take a bit of time before you get used to your new hearing aids. This can be an annoying transition. You were so excited about enjoying your hearing again and it feels like it’s hard to be patient.
But there are some tips you can practice to minimize this transition period. With some 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.
Start slowly with these tips
Your brain will take a little time to get used to hearing certain sounds again no matter how sophisticated your hearing aids are. Here are some ways you can purposely give yourself time to adjust and start things off slowly:
- Focus on one-on-one conversations first: If you use your hearing aids while dining at a crowded restaurant on your first day you get them, you could be discouraged, not because the devices aren’t working. It’s just that it’s tough for your ear and brain to deal with focusing on all those different voices. Staying with one-on-one conversations can help make that transition smoother (and give you a little extra practice, as well).
- Begin by using your hearing aids at home only: When you’re at home, you have much more control over what you’re hearing, and you’ll likely experience substantially less noise pollution. This means you can concentrate on one voice at a time.
- Wear your hearing aids for a short duration: When you’re just beginning, you can practice by wearing your hearing aids for only a few hours at a time. They may 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 wear them for longer periods of time.
Tips that help you get added 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 some fun!
- Use closed-captions when you watch TV: It’s easy: Turn the TV on, put your hearing aids in, and enjoy. As you read the words you’ll also be hearing the actors speak, and your brain will begin to remember what all these words sound like. This can give you some practice hearing and adjusting to speech.
- Listen to an audiobook while you read the printed book: This is a really similar exercise (and allows you to get in some fun reading while you’re at it). Reading and listening to an audiobook simultaneously will help your brain make connections between sounds and words.
- Simply practice hearing: That’s right: Go someplace a little quiet and experience the sounds around you. 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
Of course, one of the purposes of hearing aids is to keep your ears as healthy as possible. But, as you take some time to get accustomed to your new hearing aids, there are a few 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 have anymore hearing exams. This would be the worst idea. We can help tune 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.
- Be certain to note and let us know about any pain: Your hearing aids shouldn’t hurt. So it’s important to let us know about any problems with fit or any pain right away.
Go slow and maximize your time as you get used to your hearing aids
Your objective here will be to work your way up to using your hearing aids full time. A slow and steady approach is often effective, but everyone’s unique. Learning the best ways to get comfortable with your new hearing aids is something we can assist you with.
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.
