Steps to Adjusting to Hearing Aids

How to Adjust Your Life With a Hearing Aid

Getting a hearing aid can change your life for the better. There will be some dramatic changes; however, it may not be perfect at first. There is an adjustment period when wearing your new hearing aid for the first time. The first thing to understand is that you are not restoring your old hearing, but instead helping you hear in a whole new way. There is always a learning curve when using new technology, and getting a hearing aid is no different. Here are some tips for making this adjustment.

Start at Home
It’s a good idea to think small when trying out your new hearing aid. You will be adjusting to hearing things differently, even the sound of your own voice, so being in a familiar, comfortable environment is a great place to start. Challenge yourself to identify different sounds, and practice using your hearing aid in small increments doing different activities so you can adjust to the difference in sound. Give yourself a chance to take breaks, and try to work in one-on-one conversations, working yourself up to small group conversations with family and friends. 

Communicate Your Needs

It is important to communicate with friends and family during this adjustment period. Let people know you are adjusting to your new device, and explain any needs or difficulties that they can be aware of when communicating with you. Being upfront about what you need will help your adjustment go more smoothly and allow others to assist you. Getting a hearing aid can be a tricky process, and having a good support system is key to success.

Schedule Follow Up Appointments
Once you have your hearing aid, make sure to schedule regular follow up appointments with your healthcare professional. Make note of any issues you may be experiencing, including feedback, or discomfort in the fit or functionality. Your audiologist can offer insight into how to best adjust based on your needs and the specific hearing aid you have. There also are classes where you can get a hearing aid orientation. These can be a great way to jumpstart your process and give you some very useful tips on adjusting to your device. They can also help with technology support if you have a Bluetooth hearing aid and need a little help.

Taking Care of Yourself

Getting a hearing aid can be life-changing. It can also be overwhelming. While you may have experienced your hearing loss gradually, with a new hearing aid, you will be experiencing a large volume of sounds all at once in a different way. Remember to be patient with yourself. Ask friends and family members for help, and seek out help from your audiologist if you have any questions or concerns. The most important thing to remember is to take it slow and keep a positive outlook. The adjustment period for people with new hearing aids can last anywhere from six weeks to six months. Make sure to give yourself time to rest, process, and learn so your hearing aid will be effective for you. Contact Elite Hearing Centers today for more information or to schedule an appointment.