Adjusting to Your New Hearing Aids

If you just recently purchased hearing aids for the first time, congratulations. While the tiny devices don’t restore one’s hearing, they do work to amplify sound, enabling people who suffer from hearing loss to hear better, overall.

Like anything new in life, wearing hearing aids and getting used to them takes practice. Those who had been living with undiagnosed hearing loss have likely become accustomed to a less social life, avoiding conversations or loud environments. Other consequences of living with undiagnosed (or untreated) hearing loss include: diminished cognitive function, poorer mental health, higher rates of psychosocial disorders like depression and anxiety and a higher risk of dementia.

Adjusting to sounds

Because the brain is so involved with hearing, it has to re-learn how to receive and transmit sound waves. The process can take time, making the introduction to hearing aids a lengthy, but very worthwhile, endeavor. Hearing care professionals will put first-time hearing aid wearers on a schedule that gradually increases the amount of time the hearing aids are worn, giving the brain ample time to get used the aids, as well as ample time to rest.

When wearing hearing aids for the first time, it is important to remember to:

• Be realistic: If you have been living with untreated or undiagnosed hearing loss for a long time, it will take a longer period of time to get used to life with hearing aids. The hearing aids will not be a magical fix the first time you wear them; in fact, they may be uncomfortable, unnerving or create unappealing sounds or feedback. The key is to practice and be in communication with your hearing healthcare professional about what you’re experiencing.
• Be patient: Again, wearing hearing aids forces the brain to adapt to recognizing new sounds.
• Be persistent: While hearing aids can cause confusion and fatigue at first, it’s important to wear them on a consistent basis to ensure that your brain can get used to the new sounds.

As you wear your hearing aids more often, you will likely notice improved listening skills. Additionally, you will feel less tired after a day or period of wearing your hearing aids, as your brain has adjusted and adapted to taking in new sounds.

Talk to your hearing provider

Depending on how long you’ve had hearing loss, you may need less or more time to adjust to your hearing aids. If you experience continuous issues or are still struggling to hear, don’t hesitate to contact your hearing specialist for more tips on adjusting to hearing aids.