Top Tips for Getting Used to Hearing Aids

About 48% of Americans suffer from some degree of hearing loss, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Although it can be frightening to experience hearing loss, there are excellent hearing aids available to help you manage. If you have just decided to get hearing aids or have already gotten them and worry about getting used to hearing aids, learn the top tips that can help you.

Give Yourself a Little Time to Adjust to Your Hearing Aids

When you start wearing your hearing aids, don’t expect to adjust immediately.

Adjustment to hearing aids can take a few days and can require that you wear them for a few hours at a time at first in gradually noisier spaces. Give yourself breaks if you need them but keep them short.

One of the things that might take the most time to get used to is hearing your own voice clearly. The more you wear the hearing aids, the sooner you will adjust to this as well.

If you have two hearing aids, make sure to wear both since wearing just one can make it more difficult to get used to your new level of hearing.

Do Listening Exercises to Get Better at Identifying Sounds

Do a bit of homework to get used to how the hearing aids will pick up different sounds. Try to identify all of the sources of the noises you hear around you. Your brain adjusted to hearing loss, so it will adjust to hearing better once again.

You can listen to audiobooks and watch television to start retraining your brain. Once you feel more comfortable in situations with just a few people, go to more crowded locations. Give yourself progressively noisier experiences until you feel in control of your hearing.

Take Care of Your Hearing Aids with Proper Cleaning

Clean your hearing aids regularly so that they provide clear sound and fit comfortably.

Cleaning the hearing aids can help prevent issues with moisture and wax buildup. You want to clean the earbuds with a microfilm cloth or use a cleaning kit made especially for hearing aids. By doing this every night before you go to sleep, you can help keep the hearing aids working at their best.

If you are not sure how to maintain the aids, your hearing aid doctor can offer tips on the best way to clean the hearing aids.

Let Your Friends and Family Members Know How to Support You

It is always a good idea to bring a loved one with you to the fitting of a hearing aid so that they understand how the device works. You also want to let your loved ones know that although you may be hearing better, you may not hear everything.

Your loved ones may have gotten used to speaking more loudly to help you, so encourage them to speak at their normal volume. They might need some time to adjust to this, too.

As you get used to wearing a hearing aid, you may want to ask them to reduce background noises for a few days. You can also ask them to help you relearn what your normal speaking volume is by listening to you read out loud and by engaging you in conversation in locations with varied noise levels.

Experience the Benefits of Hearing Aids with American Hearing and Balance

Getting used to hearing aids can be a gradual process, but with patience and the right approach, you can adapt and enjoy the benefits of improved hearing. Remember to give yourself time to adjust and wear your hearing aids consistently, gradually increasing the duration and exposure to different noise levels. Listening exercises and retraining your brain will help you identify and distinguish sounds more effectively. Taking proper care of your hearing aids through regular cleaning is essential to maintain their functionality.

Additionally, it is important to communicate with your loved ones and educate them on how to support you in your hearing journey. Overall, embracing these top tips will empower you to navigate the world of hearing aids with confidence, enhancing your quality of life and connection to the sounds around you. At American Hearing and Balance we’re always here to help you get used to your new hearing aids. After using your hearing aids for six months, come in for a follow-up appointment so we can make adjustments and fine-tune the settings of your hearing aids to optimize their performance and ensure they continue to meet your specific needs. Call us at (213) 536-4543 to schedule your follow-up appointment today!