Get the Most Out of Your Hearing Aid

Has a friend’s bad experience with a hearing aid made you wary of purchasing one yourself?

If you have a friend whose hearing device sits unused in a drawer, this may discourage you from getting help with hearing loss. But be aware, much like learning to drive, using a hearing device isn’t something you pick up in one shot. There are important steps when it comes to adjusting to life with your hearing aid, including what to expect and how to acclimatize. Understanding what your hearing aid can do for you will make all the difference between an expensive mistake and a life-enhancing tool.

Select the best hearing device for you

First, to get best use means selecting the right device for you. This means considering a wide variety of choices and styles. Luckily, your hearing care provider will be able to help you navigate through the following selections:

• How discrete a device is when worn
• Matching amplification ability to your hearing loss
• Ease of use
• How much dexterity it takes to use the device
• Special features to fit in with your lifestyle, such as being water-resistant or eliminating wind noise
• Technical specifications such as being Bluetooth enabled

Choosing the right device is an essential foundation, because only then are you going to feel confident and comfortable wearing it every day.

Adjusting to sounds

OK, so you’ve chosen a device and it’s time to re-join the world of hearing. The problem with hearing loss is it’s often hard to recognize when it first develops, so by the time you seek treatment it may be worse than you realized. This means when you start wearing hearing aids again, you may feel overwhelmed by all the sounds you haven’t heard in a while.

When getting used to a hearing aid, it’s important to gradually introduce and familiarize yourself to the new world of sound. Try wearing the device for an hour at a time, within the sanctuary of your own home. This is a safe place for you to register how loud a ticking clock sounds, but without other noises clamoring for attention. Once you feel confident in the home, try going for a short walk. This can be more of a challenge than you might suspect, because noise pollution that has faded from your radar, such as traffic, sirens or leaf blowers, suddenly come leaping into sharp focus. Easing into hearing the world around you again will ensure you have a successful adjustment period with your hearing aid.

Getting the most out of your hearing aid isn’t difficult to do, especially when you select the right device and have it properly fitted by a hearing specialist. If you’re experiencing any issues with your new hearing aids don’t hesitate to contact your hearing specialist to discuss any concerns or questions you have. Your hearing practitioner wants you to get the most out of your devices and they’re more than happy to help!