If you’re among the millions of Americans with hearing loss, you may be considering hearing aids to help improve your quality of life.
Getting hearing aids is an essential first step, but it’s only the beginning. The next step is getting used to wearing them every day.
Here are ten tips to help you get used to your new hearing aids:
1. Give yourself time
Wearing hearing aids is a big adjustment, both mentally and physically. It’s important to give yourself time to get used to them. Don’t expect to feel comfortable wearing them immediately – it may take weeks or even months.
2. Start slow
Wearing hearing aids for the first time can be overwhelming. You may feel like you’re hearing sounds you’ve never heard before or that everything is too loud. It’s important to start slowly and gradually increase the time you wear them each day.
3. Be patient
Adjusting to hearing aids takes time and patience. Don’t be discouraged if you don’t notice an improvement immediately. It may take weeks or even months to wear them and notice a difference in your hearing.
4. Be prepared for feedback
Feedback is a high-pitched noise that can occur when your hearing aid is not fitted correctly or is not working properly. It’s important to have your hearing aid fitted by a professional to minimize the risk of feedback.
5. Be mindful of your environment
Wearing hearing aids can be challenging in specific environments, such as crowded places or places with a lot of background noise. When you’re first getting used to wearing them, avoiding these types of environments is best.
6. Don’t be afraid to ask for help
If you’re having trouble getting used to wearing hearing aids, don’t hesitate to ask for help from a friend or family member. They can help you with things like putting your hearing aids in and taking them out and offer moral support.
7. Take care of your hearing aids
Hearing aids are a significant investment, so taking care of them is crucial. Be sure to clean them regularly and keep them safe from damage. Additionally, it’s important to have them serviced by a professional every few years.
8. Join a support group
Many hearing aid users understand what you’re going through. Joining a support group can be a great way to get advice and tips from others who are Adjusting to hearing aids. It doesn’t even have to be a physical group – there are many online support groups.
9. Get a second opinion
If you’re not happy with the way your hearing aids are working, don’t hesitate to get a second opinion from another audiologist. Finding a hearing aid that works well for you and that you’re comfortable with is important.
10. Be patient and stay positive
Adjusting to hearing aids can be challenging, but it’s important to be patient and stay positive. Remember that it takes time to get used to them, but eventually, you will adjust and start to enjoy the benefits they offer.
If you have any questions or concerns about getting used to hearing aids, don’t hesitate to talk to your audiologist. They can offer additional tips and resources to help you adjust.