You finally obtained those new hearing aids. You’re finally going to be able to get back into the swing of your social life again. Now, you won’t be missing parts of conversations or going through uncomfortable transitions. But your hearing aids just don’t sound quite right.
That’s because it’ll probably take you a while to adjust to a new pair of hearing aids. This can be a frustrating transition. After all, there was so much you were excited to do, and that adjustment period just feels so long.
Luckily, there are some tips that can help quicken the transition process. Before long, with a little practice, you will be focusing on what you’re hearing rather than your hearing aids.
Start slowly with these tips
Your brain will take a little time to get accustomed 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 take it slowly:
- Initially, try to focus on one-on-one conversations: You might be setting yourself up for frustration if you use your hearing aids in a noisy environment right out of the box. When the brain needs to focus on all those voices, it can get overwhelmed at first. By beginning with one-on-one conversations you will make the transition easier and also get a little additional practice.
- Use your hearing aids for a short period of time: When you’re just starting, you can practice by using your hearing aids for only a few hours at a time. Your hearing aids will probably feel a little weird in your ears for a while so beginning slowly is fine. As your hearing aids get more comfortable, you can wear them for longer periods of time.
- Begin by wearing your hearing aids at home only: You’ll be less likely to experience noise pollution at home and you will be able to have a greater amount of control over the sounds you’re hearing. This will help you focus on individual voices.
Get additional practice with these tips
There are some things you can do, as with any skill, that can help you practice hearing. You may even have a little fun!
- Read along with the printed version while you listen to the audiobook.: This similar exercise can also be really enjoyable. Your brain will learn to make connections between words and sounds by using this read along approach.
- Watch TV with the closed-captions on: It’s easy: put your hearing aids in, turn on the television, and watch your favorite show. Your brain will begin remembering what certain words sound like as you read along with the voices you’re hearing. This can give you some practice hearing and getting used to speech.
- Do some listening exercise: That’s right: sit in a quiet room and let your ears do the hearing. Begin by focusing on the sound of wind blowing through the trees or birds singing or nearby running water.
Strengthen your hearing health with these tips
Of course, one of the purposes of hearing aids is to keep your hearing as healthy as you can. But, as you take some time to get accustomed to your new hearing aids, there are some things you can do that your ears will thank you for.:
- Keep visiting us: You may not think you need to get hearing exams anymore after you get your hearing aids. Nothing could be further from the truth. We can help adjust your hearing aids, keep the fit comfortable, and continue to check in on your hearing. These follow up appointments are very important.
- If you’re experiencing any pain, make sure you document it and report it to us.: Your hearing aids shouldn’t hurt. So if you’re experiencing any pain or something’s not fitting right, it’s important to report it as soon as you can.
Be patient, and build up to full-time hearing aids
Working your way up to wearing your hearing aids full time is the goal here. A slow and progressive strategy is often effective, but everyone’s different. You’ll want to get personalized advice from us on the best way for you to get used to your new hearing aid.
Sticking with these tips (and tips like them) can help make sure that you enjoy having your hearing aids and that you keep wearing them because they continue to enhance your life.