HOW TO SUCCEED WITH YOUR NEW HEARING AIDS

When you get new hearing aids there is always a period of acclimatization. As a first time hearing aid wearer your brain has not heard a lot of sounds for some time, so it will take time to re-learn how to hear. It is easy to become frustrated in the first few days. A good audiologist will work with you and ask you to return to their clinic to tweak the settings on the hearing aid, to answer your questions or address your concerns, but the hearing specialist can only do so much. The patient should follow these 4 suggestions to achieve hearing aid success:

WEAR THE HEARING AIDS AS OFTEN AS POSSIBLE

At first wearing something in or on your ear can be bothersome. The ear and the brain get used to the hearing aids rather quickly. Before long you won’t even remember you are wearing them. Beyond that, the bigger change will be for your brain to get used to working with your ears again. Consistent use of your hearing aids will make this transition smooth. It can be tiring, so it is okay to take it slow, but try to wear your hearing aids for longer and longer each day until it becomes the norm.

BE REALISTIC AND PATIENT

Your hearing will never be perfect again and you need to be realistic about that. Hearing aids are not like glasses. They will help you regain a lot of what you’ve been missing and help you exert less energy trying to hear and decipher sounds. You need to be patient and push through the hard parts. Set small, attainable goals, like hearing better at the dinner table. This will help you see progress.

THINK POSITIVE THOUGHTS AND BE OPEN TO ADJUSTMENTS

Adjusting requires some work, but keep your mind on the positive impact it will have on your life and your health when you can hear again with ease. Things won’t always be perfect especially in the beginning. Help your audiologist help you by taking note of situations where it is still particularly hard to hear.

LEARN ABOUT YOUR HEARING LOSS AND SHARE IT WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS

Ask your audiologist about your hearing loss, have them explain situations you may always have some trouble in. Take all the information you can and share it with those around you. The transition will be easier when you have people on your side, who want to help you succeed.

If you are ready to start your journey to better hearing - we are happy to help.