Getting new hearing aids is an exciting time. But it is also a big change for most people. You will need to get used to your new hearing aids and all of the new sounds around you.
Here are some tips on what to expect as you adjust to your new hearing aids.
What to expect on your first day with new hearing aids
At the clinic: We will always have an experienced audiologist program, verify and fine-tune your hearing aids when you come to your custom fitting appointment. Your audiologist will also check to see what you’re experiencing, making sure that the new sound is something you can work to get used to.
At home: Don’t be surprised if your world sounds different — you will likely hear sounds you haven’t heard in a while, and your own voice will sound different when you speak. This gets better over time.
Out and about: It will be easier to acclimate to your new hearing aids if you wear and use them consistently and in lots of different environments. However, while wearing them as often as possible is helpful, it’s ok to take breaks if you’re feeling overwhelmed.
Time to rest: By the end of the first day, most people are ready to take them out and go to bed! That’s normal and expected.
What to expect the first month with new hearing aids
Little by little: It takes an average of 30 days to get used to wearing your new hearing aids. Just like many other changes in life, you will gradually adjust, until what once felt new now feels normal. If you are having a hard time getting used to your new hearing aids, try to use them more and more each day until you are using them most of your waking hours, with a minimum use of at least 8 hours each day.
Progress, not perfection: It’s important to know that hearing aids can greatly improve your ability to hear and process sound, but they will not be the same as completely healthy ears with no hearing loss. In most environments, you won’t catch 100% of what someone says to you — but that’s ok. Do your best, and ask for help when you need it.
Fine-tuning: Remember, your brain is working extra hard to learn how to process sounds through your hearing aids. The auditory filters you had before — background noises your brain was programmed to ignore — need to be recalibrated.
For instance, if you aren’t used to hearing sounds like the air conditioner blowing or a wall clock ticking, it takes time for your brain to adjust so those background sounds aren’t as distracting.
Patience: Give yourself grace and ask your friends and family to be patient with you as you adjust.
How hearing aid users can build a community of support
Here for you: You are not alone on this journey! Your audiologist and the team at Associated Audiologists will be here to help you with your hearing aids.
Please reach out to us if you are having difficulty with any aspect of using or caring for your hearing aids. It’s never a bother for you to ask for help – that’s what we’re here for!
Your support system: Your family and friends can also be a great source of support as you adjust to your new hearing aids. Conversation partners can:
- Visually get your attention before beginning to speak.
- Sit or stand in front of you, rather than behind you.
- Speak slowly and distinctly – not loudly! Most hearing aid users simply need a little more time to process what was said.
- Try phrasing it differently if you don’t understand the first time. For example, “What do you want for dinner?” could be rephrased as “Are you hungry?” or “What sounds good to eat tonight?”
- Write it down or turn on closed captioning to add visual cues to the auditory input.
Looking ahead and hearing your best for life
We’ve given you a lot of information to help you on your hearing aid journey. Keeping up with routine cleaning, maintenance and check-ups will help you have a successful journey toward hearing your best!
Make an appointment with a doctoral-level audiologist near you, or contact us with any questions.
