Investing in your first pair of hearing aids can be a combination of anticipation and uncertainty. Whether you’re anxious to enjoy discussions more clearly, reconnect with loved ones, or just hear the world around you once more, it’s a big step toward greater hearing health. But similar to any new experience, it’s not uncommon to have concerns, especially about how hearing aids will feel and how long it might take to adjust.
New users often have apprehensions about the experience. Will the hearing aid be awkward or uncomfortable to use? Will ordinary noises be overwhelming at first? How long will it take to adjust to normal sounds? These apprehensions are normal, but with the correct guidance and a little patience, most people find that hearing aids become a comfortable and natural part of day-to-day life.
Let’s delve into what to anticipate during the adjustment period and how you can make the transition as hassle-free as possible.
What to expect during the initial adjustment period
So, are hearing aids uncomfortable? Initially, they can feel a bit unusual, especially if you’ve never put anything in your ears regularly. Just like wearing a new pair of glasses or getting used to a watch, it takes time for your brain and body to adapt.
You will observe the most substantial changes in two primary areas in the initial weeks of using hearing aids.
Physical sensation
You may experience a feeling of discomfort or strangeness in your ear initially. This is completely normal. Many hearing specialists advise easing into use, starting with a few hours a day and slowly extending the duration.
Some minor inconvenience is tolerable, but pain is not okay. If you experience discomfort or pain from your devices, reach out to your hearing care professional without delay. They can adjust the fit or try out a different design better suited to your ear shape.
Perception of sound
One of the most surprising parts of the adjustment process is hearing everyday sounds that you may not have heard before.
The thrum of the refrigerator, birds outside your window, or your own footsteps might seem amplified at first. As a result, your brain is reacquainting itself with a broader spectrum of acoustic signals.
It might feel overwhelming, but your brain will slowly learn to filter out trivial background noise and focus on what really matters, like voices and music. Your auditory system is essentially redressing and adapting to new sounds.
Suggestions for increasing the comfort and efficiency of hearing aids
The good news is that there are a number of strategies to help you feel more comfortable and self-assured while adjusting to your new hearing aids:
1. Start slowly
You don’t need to feel obligated to use your hearing aids all day instantly. Start with dedicating one to four hours daily, especially in tranquil settings such as your residence.
Slowly increase as you become more comfortable with the feel and sound of the hearing aids.
2. Practice makes perfect
Try wearing your hearing aids while engaging in things that help your brain adjust. Listening to audiobooks while following along or watching movies with subtitles can help reinforce speech recognition and boost your listening skills in a fun and stimulating 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 hearing care provider can adjust your devices and offer recommendations for improved results. A personalized hearing aid tailored to your specific ear shape and needs could be the most suitable choice in specific scenarios.
Embracing your new hearing experience
It’s completely normal to go through a brief adjustment period with your hearing aids. With consistent use, proper care, and back up from your hearing specialist, your hearing aids will soon feel like second nature.
Rather than focusing on the device itself, your focus will shift to the pleasure of clearer conversations, nature sounds, music, and day-to-day interactions.
The road to success lies in perseverance, commitment, and taking charge of your well-being. With time, your hearing aids will not only improve your auditory experience, but also transform your total quality of life.
