Adjusting to a new hearing aid brings both the joy of hearing and a time of change.
Adjusting to a new hearing aid is a journey that requires time and patience. It is also a happy occasion; at last you are able to hear some sounds again that you haven’t been able to for a while. Conversations will be easier, driving will be easier, and life will be fuller with all the sounds it has to offer. You’ll also be able to catch when the stove alarm goes off. Regardless, remember that as you begin to enjoy your new hearing aid, there is also a period of adjustment that, through the following tips, can be a smooth process.
Start at Home
When first getting used to your hearing aid, it is best to start in the quiet of your home. Suddenly many sounds that were faded or undetectable before are now startlingly prominent. The hum of the air conditioning, the ticking of the clock, the sounds of the birds singing, and the beeping of the microwave may be sounds that catch you off guard. At home is the best place to start getting used to sounds like these again.
Take Breaks
While getting used to the background noises that have suddenly reintroduced themselves, you should take a break when the noise becomes too much to bear. Just like exercising muscles, your brain needs to exercise its newfound hearing in increments. A suggested time period would be a few hours a day, progressing to longer and longer times until you can wear your aid all day long.
Read Aloud
Part of the adjustment process is also getting used to the sound of your own voice again. While you may have adjusted to speaking louder without your hearing aid, your voice’s volume might sound off to you. Reading aloud can help you practice regulating the volume of your voice and getting used to its sound.
Adjust to Others’ Voices
Watching the news or videos with subtitles on and conversing with family will help you practice listening and engaging in conversation. Reading along with newscasters, who are trained to speak distinctly, can help your brain adjust to the sound of people’s voices. Talking with family can get you comfortable and confident to face the outer world.
Keep a Hearing Journal
Take notes on what sounds bother you most or sounds you still have trouble hearing. Keeping an accurate journal will assist in better diagnosing your hearing when you speak with an audiologist.
Trust the Experts at Clarity Audiology & Hearing Solutions
Need help with your hearing? Clarity Hearing can help. Clarity Audiology & Hearing Solutions is an independently owned and operated clinic that focuses on quality of care and personalized, friendly service to the surrounding areas of Ellicott City, Catonsville, Columbia. Our Doctors of Audiology are highly trained with advanced degrees and take the time to provide the personalized care and attention that you need and deserve. We provide advanced hearing aid options that personally calibrated with cutting-edge digital technology to fit your hearing loss, your unique ear anatomy, and your individual listening needs.
Come in for a walk-in appointment on Tuesdays & Fridays from 10:00 am to 11:30 am or contact us to schedule an appointment by calling 410-698-6594 or visiting our contact page. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Google+, and LinkedIn for more blog posts, news, and updates!