For most of the 48 million Americans who have hearing loss, wearing hearing aids is the preferred treatment option. Today’s hearing devices are technological marvels, with incredible features like Bluetooth connectivity, rechargeability and automatic programming based on your environment. But even the most state-of-the art hearing aids take some getting used to.
Below we review how to adjust to your hearing aids.
Learn the Basics
Before you leave your audiologist’s office, you will get a rundown of how to use and care for your type of hearing aid, including how to turn it on, insert it, adjust it, remove it and clean it each day. It’s important to pay attention and follow your audiologist’s advice closely.
Your audiologist will also tell you how long you should be wearing your devices each day. Unlike a new pair of pants from Pioneer Place, you won’t be able to start wearing them during all waking hours right off the bat; instead you’ll start with just a few hours a day and work your way up.
Know What’s Normal & What’s Not
If you’ve never worn hearing aids before, it’s important to know what’s normal and what’s not.
- Your hearing aids may feel uncomfortable at first. It will likely feel strange to have something sitting in your ear at first. However, within a few weeks you shouldn’t notice them anymore. If they are painful to wear or don’t get more comfortable with time, tell your audiologist.
- Your own voice may sound loud. You’ve been hearing your voice mostly through bone conduction. With hearing aids, you’ll begin to hear your voice through your ears, too. Again, it may be uncomfortable but should not be painful.
- You hear a lot of distracting background noise. It’s been a while since you’ve heard sounds like birds chirping and the refrigerator humming. It’ll take time for your brain to learn to filter these sounds out again.
- If you hear feedback or whistling, this has to do with the physical fit of your device. You should not experience feedback or whistling if your devices are properly fit. If you do, tell your audiologist.
If any of these problems are keeping you from wanting to wear your devices, talk to your audiologist. They want you to hear your best and will do whatever they can to ensure the devices are working as they’re supposed to.
Give It Time
Like with all good things, adjusting to hearing aids takes time. Be sure to stay committed to the process; we promise you, it’s worth it.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, call Mt. Hood ENT today!