Adjustment Tips for Hearing Aid Wearers
Adjusting to using a hearing aid can lead to frustrating feelings of helplessness and isolation at times. The idea, however, is that with time and practice, you or your loved one with hearing difficulties will be able to compensate for the loss in hearing and, in turn, gain confidence in communicating comfortably. Yes, it can take some time to find just the right setup. To help your brain process the sounds it’s receiving more efficiently, here are some tips for adjusting to hearing aids when you first start using them.
Give Yourself Time
Give yourself time to adjust to the sounds of your home with your hearing aids on. Don’t expect yourself to remember how to hear, interpret and identify every sound instantly. Wearing hearing aids for the first time may feel a bit odd. Don’t be too alarmed if they aren’t comfortable. You may need to wear them for at least a few days, or even weeks before you feel better. When you first get your hearing aids, sit in a quiet room at home. This can allow you to get used to the new sound quality in your home.
Start Small
Getting your hearing skills takes a lot of practice. When using a hearing aid for the first time, wear them for only a few hours at a time. If you feel exhausted or overwhelmed you can remove them, but try to wear them for a little longer every day. The longer you wear your hearing aids, the more your hearing skills will improve.
Read Aloud
Before getting hearing aids, you may have been told to stop shouting. It’s extremely natural to start talking loudly when you experience hearing loss. But with hearing aids, you can properly regulate your volume. A good way to start this habit is by reading to yourself while wearing your hearing aids. This will help you to determine the appropriate volume for speech and you’ll get better at recognizing the sounds of words and speech again.
Keep a Hearing Journal
Keep a journal and write down anything that seems abnormal. Note any noises that you hear that bother or irritate you. If your clock’s ticking seems too loud and starts to annoy you after a couple of days, make a note of it. If you struggle to hear conversations in a crowded restaurant, write it down. By keeping track of your hearing struggles, you can later discuss these issues with a hearing aid specialist.
