Purchasing your first pair of hearing aids can be a mix of expectancy and anxiety. Taking the action to improve your hearing can have a profound effect, allowing you to participate more fully in discussions, reinforce connections with family and friends, and regain a deeper connection to the sounds that enrich your daily life. With any unknown circumstance, it’s normal to have concerns, particularly concerning the comfort of wearing hearing aids and the time needed to get used to them.
Lots of first-time users are uncertain what to expect. Will the hearing aids feel bulky or awkward? Will day-to-day sounds feel too loud? Will it take a long time to get used to them? These apprehensions are common, but with the right support and a little patience, most people find that hearing aids become a worry-free and natural part of day-to-day life.
Let’s explore what to expect during the adjustment period and how you can make the transition as smooth as possible.
What to expect during the preliminary adjustment period
So, are hearing aids uncomfortable? Initially, they may take some getting used to, particularly if you’re not accustomed to having objects in your ears. Similar to adapting to a new pair of glasses or acclimating to a wristwatch , it requires time for your mind and physique to become acquainted.
There are two main areas where you’ll observe the most significant changes during the first several days or weeks of use:
Physical sensation
You might at first feel some pressure or unfamiliarity in your ear canal. It is typical and common for many specialists in hearing health to suggest a progressive strategy to using the device, starting with a few hours every day and gradually extending the time.
Some minor inconvenience is tolerable, but pain is not okay. If you experience soreness or pain from your devices, reach out to your hearing care professional without delay. They have the capability to tweak the fit or experiment with a different design that would be more suitable for the shape of your ear.
Perception of sound
Experiencing day-to-day sounds that were formerly unheard can be one of the most unanticipated facets of adapting to a new environment.
At first, everyday sounds like the fridge’s gentle thrum, birds chirping, or the creak of your own footsteps can seem unusually loud. This is because your brain is learning to deal with a wider range of sounds again.
While it may seem like a lot to deal with, your brain will progressively adjust to ignore insignificant sounds in the background and concentrate on important things like voices and music. This is part of your auditory system “retraining” itself.
Recommendations for increasing the comfort and efficiency of hearing aids
The great news is that there are a number of approaches to help you feel more comfortable and self-assured while adjusting to your new hearing aids:
1. Start slowly
Don’t feel pressured to use your hearing aids all day right away. Begin with one to four hours a day, especially in quieter settings like your home.
Progressively build up as you become more comfortable with the feel and sound of the hearing aids.
2. Practice makes perfect
To help your brain adjust, wear your hearing aids while engaging in stimulating activities. Engaging in activities like reading along with audiobooks as you read or watching movies with subtitles can improve your ability to distinguish speech and improve your listening skills in an enjoyable manner.
3. Stay in touch with your hearing specialist
Fit and performance go hand-in-hand. If you notice any discomfort or notice that something is not right, including the fit of the device or the sound quality, act right away. Your audiologist can adjust your hearing aids and offer suggestions for improved benefits. An indinidualized hearing aid customized to your particular ear shape and needs could be the most suitable option in specific scenarios.
Welcoming your new hearing experience
It’s completely normal to go through a brief adjustment period with your hearing aids. With regular use, proper care, and support from your hearing specialist, your hearing aids will soon feel like second nature.
Rather than focusing on the device itself, your focus will switch to the joys of clearer conversations, nature sounds, music, and day-to-day interactions.
The path to success lies in persistence, commitment, and taking charge of your well-being. With time, your hearing aids will not only improve your hearing experience, but also transform your overall quality of life.