No one ever looks forward to getting hearing aids. It can be an embarrassing thing, confessing to the world that your hearing is not as good as it used to be. But there should be no shame in being able to hear again, so here are seven helpful tips you can put to good use to adjust to the use of your new hearing aid.
- Get Used to Them at Home First
Although it’s tempting to wear hearing aids with a sleek, modern design out on your first day, it’s best to get used to them at home first. Use them in quiet, listening environments so that you can get used to what the levels should be and adjust them accordingly. Talk to your pet or read aloud so that you can get used to the sound of your own voice too.
- Give Yourself a Break
It can become sensory overload to wear your hearing aid all the time, so don’t be afraid to give yourself a break every now and again. Wear your hearing aid for a few hours at a time each day and then gradually increase the time you’re wearing it so that you can adjust accordingly.
- It Doesn’t Hurt to Take Classes
Just like you take swimming classes before jumping into the deep end, it’s not a bad idea to take orientation classes for your hearing aid. You’ll learn all the ins and outs of using your hearing aid, and you’ll be better prepared for the future with more satisfying results.
- Homeschooled
Give yourself homework when it comes to using your hearing aid. Put it in and try to locate all of the sounds you’re hearing in your home. Listen to audiobooks when you’re at home by yourself so that you can get used to the different kinds and values of sounds.
- Keep Notes of Any Pain
Hearing aids are usually custom-made to fit the ear canal of each individual person. They can cause some slight tenderness and irritation at first, but if you’re experiencing unbearable pain, then you should definitely go back to your doctor. It could be that you just need a few adjustments before they’re comfortable for you.
- Expect Some Frustration
Depending on how long you’ve been doing without hearing aids, then your ears are going to be flooded with new sounds that you haven’t heard in a while. It may even be difficult for you to distinguish between foreground and background noises so it all sounds like a jumbled mess. Exercise patience when adjusting to your new hearing aid and retrain our brain on how to ignore background noise.
- Always Attend Follow-Ups
If you have scheduled follow-up appointments with your doctor, it’s important that you don’t miss them. It’s essential that you and your doctor can fine-tune the settings of your hearing aid to minimize any difficulties you may be facing, whether the volume needs to be turned up or it keeps falling out of your ear.
Many seniors sulk at the idea of getting hearing aids because it’s admitting that they’re not as young as they used to be, but having one is better than missing out on those important conversations. It may be a matter of pride, but you’ll have a more fulfilling experience when you have the tools to help you hear again.