Wearing a Hearing Aid for The First Time
Wearing a hearing aid for the first time can be confronting. While it is exciting to be able to hear the world around you better, connect with your loved ones without missing a word, and revel in music and the sounds of laughter, you may wonder how long does it take to adjust to a hearing aid and how to go about wearing a hearing aid for the first time? Here are some simple suggestions for how to get used to hearing aids and what to expect.
How long does it take for your brain to adjust to a hearing aid?
While not having hearing aids may have caused you social anxiety and meant you missed out on a few conversations and moments, your first time wearing hearing aids can also be quite confronting. It can take from six weeks up to six months when wearing a hearing aid for the first time for your brain to adjust to the new noise levels and sounds it has been missing. At this time, everything may sound very loud and noises may be startling. However, over time, your perception will slowly shift and the sound will settle to a more comfortable level.
How to get used to hearing aids
There are a few simple strategies for when you are wearing a hearing aid for the first time that will help you to adjust to your new device.
Go easy on yourself
Be aware it will take time to adjust to the noise levels your first time wearing hearing aids. Your brain will need to learn how to interpret the sounds you are now hearing. Getting used to hearing aids can be a serious adjustment, so don’t expect to feel comfortable with them straight away.
Take it slow at first
One of the keys to getting used to hearing aids is only using them for a few hours a day at first. Slowly scale up the time in which you use them, gradually increasing the hours you use your hearing aids per day over a few weeks or a month. Start small when wearing a hearing aid for the first time with one on one conversations in a quiet room before you move into louder and busier situations with your hearing devices.
Consciously practice using your hearing aid
Sit in a room where there are multiple noises coming from different directions and try to identify what the sound is and where it’s coming from. Take as many breaks as you need, but practice regularly. Another way to help you adjust to wearing a hearing aid for the first time is by reading aloud to yourself. This will allow you to recognise the sounds of speech as well as helping you to determine an appropriate volume for your voice.
Book follow-up appointments.
Make sure to have appointments booked with your audiologist in order to check in with how your hearing aids are going and allow for adjustments. Before your visit, try to keep a hearing journal, where you write down the noises which are particularly grating or uncomfortable when wearing hearing aids, this way you can discuss them with your audiologist who may be able to help. Even some minor tweaks made by your audiologists can assist when getting used to first hearing aids.
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