Investing in your first pair of hearing aids can be a combination of expectancy and anxiety. Whether you’re eager to enjoy discussions more clearly, reconnect with friends and family, or just hear the world around you again, it’s a huge step toward greater hearing health. But similar to any new experience, it’s normal to have questions, especially about how hearing aids will feel and how long it may take to adjust.
Many first-time users are unsure what to expect. Will the devices feel cumbersome or awkward? Will common noises be overwhelming at first? How long will it take to adjust to normal sounds? These apprehensions are common, but with the right guidance and a little determination, most individuals find that hearing aids become a comfortable and natural part of day-to-day life.
Let’s delve into what to expect during the adjustment period and how you can make the transition as smooth as possible.
What you can anticipate during the initial period of adjustment
Do hearing aids cause discomfort? At first, they can feel a little bit unusual, particularly if you’ve never put anything in your ears regularly. Similar to adapting to a new set of glasses or adjusting to a wristwatch , it requires a period for your mind and physique to become accustomed.
You will notice the most significant changes in two main areas in the initial weeks of using hearing aids.
Bodily feeling
You may initially feel some pressure or unfamiliarity in your ear canal. It is typical and common for many experts in hearing health to recommend a gradual approach to using the device, beginning with a few hours every day and gradually extending the time.
Some minor inconvenience is okay, but pain is not okay. If you experience soreness or pain from your devices, reach out to your hearing care professional right away. They have the capability to tweak the fit or experiment with a different design that would be more suitable for the shape of your ear.
Sound perception
One of the most unexpected parts of the adjustment process is hearing everyday sounds that you may not have heard before.
At first, everyday sounds like the fridge’s gentle thrum, birds chirping, or the creak of your own footsteps can seem abnormally loud. This is because your brain is learning to process a fuller range of sounds again.
While it may seem like a lot to deal with, your brain will slowly adapt to disregard unimportant sounds in the background and focus on important things such as voices and music. This is part of your auditory system “retraining” itself.
Recommendations for increasing the comfort and efficiency of hearing aids
The great news is that there are several strategies to help you feel more comfortable and confident while adapting to your new hearing aids:
1. Start gradually
Don’t feel pressured to wear your hearing aids all day right away. Start with dedicating one to four hours daily, particularly in tranquil settings such as your home.
As you become more familiar with the devices, you can incrementally expand your usage to a comfortable degree.
2. Practice makes perfect
Try using your hearing aids while engaging in activities that help your brain adjust. Engaging in activities like reading along with audiobooks as you read or watching movies with subtitles can enhance your ability to recognize speech and enhance your listening skills in an enjoyable way.
3. Keep communicating with your audiologist.
Fit and performance go hand-in-hand. If something doesn’t feel right, whether it’s how the device sits in your ear or how the sound is being processed, don’t wait. Your audiologist can adjust your hearing aids and offer suggestions for improved benefits. An indinidualized hearing aid customized to your specific ear shape and requirements could be the most suitable option in certain scenarios.
Welcoming your new hearing experience
It’s entirely normal to go through a brief adjustment period with your hearing aids. Through routine wear, persistent upkeep, and assistance from your audiologist, these devices will quickly become an essential part of your everyday life.
Instead of concentrating on the device, you will redirect your focus to the pleasure of enhanced conversations, natural sounds, music, and regular social interaction.
The trick is patience, practice, and remaining proactive about your comfort. Before long, your hearing aids will not only strengthen how you hear, but also how you live.
