Getting fitted with hearing aids for the first time can be both exciting and a little overwhelming. Taking the action to improve your hearing can have a profound impact, enabling you to engage more completely in discussions, reinforce relationships with family and friends, and regain a deeper connection to the sounds that improve your daily life. But similar to any new experience, it’s normal to have concerns, especially about how hearing aids will feel and how long it may take to adjust.
Lots of first-time users are not sure what to expect. Will the hearing aids feel cumbersome or uncomfortable? Will day-to-day sounds feel too loud? Will it take long to get used to them? These apprehensions are common, but with the correct support and a little patience, most people discover that hearing aids become a worry-free and essential part of day-to-day life.
Let’s explore what to expect during the adaptation period and how you can make the transition as hassle-free as possible.
What you can anticipate during the first period of adaptation
Do hearing aids cause discomfort? Initially, they may take some getting used to, especially if you’re not used to having objects in your ears. Similar to adapting to a new set of glasses or acclimating to a wristwatch , it requires a period for your mind and physique to become accustomed.
There are two main areas where you’ll observe the most significant changes during the first few days or weeks of use:
Physical sensation
You may initially detect some pressure or unfamiliarity in your ear canal. This is completely normal. Many hearing specialists advise easing into use, starting with a few hours a day and gradually increasing the duration.
A bit of discomfort is okay, but pain is not. If your devices create discomfort or inflammation, don’t wait to get in touch with your hearing care specialist. They have the capability to modify the fit or explore a different design that would be more suitable for the shape of your ear.
Sound perception
Experiencing day-to-day sounds that were formerly unnoticed can be one of the most unanticipated facets of adjusting to a new environment.
At first, every day sounds like the fridge’s gentle thrum, birds chirping, or the creak of your own footsteps can seem unusually loud. This is because your brain is figuring out how to deal with a wider range of sounds again.
It may seem overwhelming, but your brain will steadily learn to filter out trivial background sound and focus on what really matters, like voices and music. Your auditory system is basically redressing and adjusting to new sounds.
Suggestions for increasing the comfort and effectiveness of hearing aids
The good news is that there are several strategies to help you feel more comfortable and self-assured while adjusting to your new hearing aids:
1. Begin gradually
Don’t feel pressured to wear your hearing aids all day immediately. Begin with one to four hours a day, especially in quieter environments like your home.
Slowly build up as you become more comfortable with the feel and sound of the hearing aids.
2. Practice makes perfect
Try wearing your hearing aids while participating in things that help your brain adjust. Enjoying an audiobooks while following along or watching movies with subtitles can help reinforce speech recognition and boost your listening skills in a fun and stimulating way.
3. Keep communicating with your audiologist.
Performance and fit are closely connected. If something doesn’t feel right, whether it’s how the device fits in your ear or how the sound is being handled, don’t wait. Your audiologist can adjust your hearing aids and offer recommendations for improved outcomes. In certain situations, a custom-fit hearing aid may be the best solution for your unique ear shape and requirements.
Discovering a new world of sound
You can anticipate a short transition time as you get used to using your hearing aids. Through regular usage, diligent maintenance, and guidance from your audiologist, these devices will quickly become an integral part of your everyday life.
Rather than focusing on the device itself, your focus will shift to the joys of clearer conversations, nature sounds, music, and everyday interactions.
The trick is patience, practice, and staying proactive about your comfort. Soon, your hearing aids will not only strengthen how you hear, but also how you live.
