We understand it can be difficult to get used to hearing aids. Wearing hearing aids for the first time can dramatically change your lifestyle, which is why it can be tough to adjust to it at first.
So, in today’s article, we’re going to give you our top tips to help ease you into wearing hearing aids.
Gradual adjustment
Firstly, no matter what, when you first acquire your hearing aids there will always be an adjustment phase. Your current lifestyle will most definitely change, and while this may appear worrying, it does get easier over time. At first, you may experience discomfort with your hearing as they start to adjust. It’s very common for new hearing aid users to feel like this and there may be some unfamiliarity, but this is a normal part of the process. To help you settle in, we recommend trying these tips:
- Start with short sessions
- Practise active listening
- Seek support from loved ones and your audiologist.
- Experiment in quieter environments
If you begin by using the hearing aids in short sessions this will gradually introduce you to what your hearing will be like when you have them in full time. It allows your brain to start understanding amplified sounds without overwhelming your auditory system. This is a crucial and important first step you should take.
Next, begin practising active listening. This is where you start listening and paying close attention to details. It requires a huge amount of concentration from you as you will need to understand and identify the sounds surrounding you. Like with anything, practice makes perfect; the sooner you start integrating this into your lifestyle your brain will be able to process and interpret different noises from your hearing aids better.
Another great way of adjusting to your new hearing aids is seeking support from your loved ones and an audiologist. This is a simple and very effective way of starting to feel more comfortable.. At first, you might be put off speaking to them about it as you may feel embarrassed – but cast those thoughts aside and be brave by consulting them. They’ll most likely want you to speak up about any struggles or concerns you have, so don’t be afraid to ask.
Finally, we also recommend you experiment with your hearing aids in quieter environments. During the initial adjustment phase, it’s best to start in quiet areas with minimal background noise. This will allow you to focus on the sounds you want to hear, such as conversations with family or friends, watching the tv or listening to the radio.
Communication strategies
When you’re first using hearing aids, it’s important you have communication strategies in place as it will prepare you for any type of conversation you may encounter. A good and simple strategy you can try first is by positioning yourself in a way that allows you to see the speaker’s face clearly. Visual cues, such as lip movements, facial expressions, and body language, can provide valuable context and help you understand the speaker better.
Also, another communication technique you can try is to reduce background noise. Background noise can be a distraction when you’re getting used to your hearing aids, so it’s vital you try to cut it out as much as possible. We understand this can be quite difficult to do, but we recommend all you do is try to find quieter places when speaking with someone.
Furthermore, we can’t stress enough how important it is to speak to your friends and family about your hearing loss. They will be very understanding about your situation and it’s vital you speak to them when you’re struggling. This is why you should advocate for yourself; our next strategy.
Be sure to communicate with them about your struggles, it will be a massive help for when you’re communicating. Encourage them to face you when they’re speaking, and speak at a moderate pace so it gives you the chance to understand what they’re saying. If you didn’t pick up what was said, don’t be afraid to ask them to repeat again – they’re there to help!
Environmental adaptation
Our next tip on our list is adapting to your environment. Similar to our previous tip, this can be challenging, especially if you’re new to wearing hearing aids. Even with all the practice you have before heading straight to a busy environment, it can be very overwhelming. All of a sudden, you’ll experience all these noises hitting you at once and your brain will struggle to cope with the constant influx of sounds. To avoid this, we suggest you start in quieter more familiar environments, such as a quiet park or at home. Then when you’re ready to face busier places such as the local shops, you’ll be better prepared. Treat it as you’re climbing a ladder. You start from the bottom at the quieter places, and when you feel ready to progress you climb through the noises till you reach the top – which we promise is where you will end up!
In addition, we highly encourage you to utilise your new hearing aid features. Many new hearing aids have advanced features which allow you to optimise your listening experience in certain environments. We recommend you explore some of the settings and figure out what is best for you. If you’d like more information on the settings, speak with your audiologist.
Maintenance and care
Our final tip to help you get used to wearing your hearing aids is to make sure you’re looking after them. Regular maintenance and care of your hearing aids will go a long way to ensure they’re performing to the best of their ability. Simple tasks such as cleaning them, storing them safely, recharging batteries and scheduling routine check-ups with your audiologist will ensure you’re gaining the full benefits from them.
By following the tasks we’ve just mentioned, you can rest easy knowing the hearing aids will be in optimal condition; providing you with clear and reliable sounds for a longer period of time. You should make it a priority to maximise the lifespan of your hearing aids!
We hope you enjoyed reading our latest article on tips to get used to wearing hearing aids. If there is anything we’ve missed, or you would like to learn more about we’ve suggested – reach out to our team today. Alternatively, if you’re looking to purchase new hearing aids but aren’t sure which is the best for you – you’re in luck cause we only offer the best here at The Hearing Specialist. Get in touch with our team and we will provide you with all the knowledge you require.