Adjusting to Hearing Aids: A Gradual Process
At Hidden Hearing, we know that adjusting to hearing aids can feel overwhelming at first, especially if you’re new to wearing them. The good news is that this process is natural and often takes time, patience, and consistency. If you’re facing challenges or wondering why it takes a while to get used to your hearing aids, you’re not alone. Many first-time users experience similar issues, but with the right approach, these hurdles can be managed effectively.
In this blog post, we’ll dive deeper into the process of adjusting to hearing aids, explore the common issues that may arise, and offer practical advice on how to address them. Let’s walk through the gradual journey of acclimatizing to your hearing aids and making them work for you.
Why is Adjusting to Hearing Aids a Gradual Process?
Hearing aids work by amplifying sound, which can be a big change for people who have been living with untreated hearing loss for an extended period. The brain and ears need time to adapt to the new level of sound stimulation, which is why the adjustment process doesn’t happen overnight.
Here are some reasons why this process is gradual:
- Sound Sensitivity: After months or years of reduced hearing ability, suddenly being able to hear a range of sounds can be startling. Your brain is no longer accustomed to processing these sounds, and it takes time to sort through what is important versus what is background noise.
- Relearning Sounds: You may find yourself hearing sounds that were once familiar but now feel strange, such as the rustling of leaves or the hum of a refrigerator. These are everyday noises that were once absent but now need to be re-learned.
- Speech Understanding: Hearing aids help amplify speech, but it might initially feel hard to distinguish words, especially in noisy environments. The brain must adapt to sorting out speech sounds from other noises.
Common Issues and How to Tackle Them
While adjusting to hearing aids, several common challenges may arise. However, all of these issues are temporary, and with time, you’ll find that your hearing aids become a seamless part of your daily life.
Discomfort and Physical Fit Issues
When you first wear hearing aids, it’s normal to experience some physical discomfort. Your ears may feel sore or the hearing aids may feel bulky. This is especially true for those who are new to hearing aids or have recently upgraded to a different model.
How to Tackle This:
- Proper Fitting: At Hidden Hearing, our experts ensure your hearing aids are correctly fitted for maximum comfort. If discomfort persists, it’s essential to visit your audiologist for adjustments, as improper fitting can lead to irritation.
- Gradual Wear: Start by wearing your hearing aids for short periods of time (30 minutes to an hour), and gradually increase wear time as your ears adjust. This can help ease you into wearing them for longer stretches without discomfort.
Sound Overload or Distortion
Another common concern when adjusting to hearing aids is sound overload. Sounds that were once muted may seem too loud, and speech may sound distorted at first.
How to Tackle This:
- Fine-Tuning Settings: Hearing aids are highly customizable. Your audiologist will likely fine-tune the settings to match your specific hearing loss and comfort level. Over time, as your brain gets used to the new sounds, these adjustments can be made gradually to prevent sensory overload.
- Breaks from Noise: If the noise becomes too overwhelming, take short breaks where you remove the hearing aids. This helps give your brain time to adjust without feeling overstimulated.
Difficulty Understanding Speech
It’s common to find it hard to understand speech clearly, especially in noisy environments, after you first start using hearing aids. The brain needs to relearn how to focus on speech sounds amid background noise.
How to Tackle This:
- Practice in Quiet Environments: Start wearing your hearing aids in quieter settings where you can focus on speech without distractions. Once you become comfortable, gradually move to environments with more background noise.
- Speech Therapy: Some audiologists recommend speech therapy or auditory training exercises. These activities can help your brain adjust to distinguishing speech from other sounds.
Feedback or Whistling Sounds
Feedback, or the high-pitched whistling sound, can sometimes occur when hearing aids are not positioned correctly in the ear or when there’s a blockage, such as earwax buildup.
How to Tackle This:
- Proper Insertion: Ensure your hearing aids are securely inserted into your ears. Your audiologist will show you how to place them properly to avoid feedback.
- Routine Cleaning: Regular cleaning of your hearing aids and ear canal is essential. Earwax can affect performance and cause feedback, so cleaning your hearing aids frequently and scheduling regular checkups with your audiologist is recommended.
Feeling Isolated in Noisy Environments
Many users report feeling isolated or overwhelmed in noisy environments when they first start wearing hearing aids. The amplification of background noise can make it harder to focus on conversations, especially in places like restaurants or busy streets.
How to Tackle This:
- Directional Microphones: Many modern hearing aids come with directional microphones that focus on sounds in front of you, making it easier to hear conversations in noisy spaces. Speak with your audiologist about adjusting the settings on your hearing aids to enhance speech clarity in these environments.
- Assistive Listening Devices: Consider using additional assistive listening devices (such as Bluetooth accessories) that can help reduce background noise and stream sound directly into your hearing aids.
Patience and Persistence: The Key to Success
Adjusting to hearing aids is a journey, not a race. It’s completely normal to face challenges along the way, but these challenges are usually temporary. Over time, as your brain adapts to the sounds and your ears become accustomed to the hearing aids, you will experience a significant improvement in your hearing ability and overall quality of life.
Remember that your audiologist is there to support you throughout this process. At Hidden Hearing, we are committed to helping you make the most of your hearing aids and will guide you through any concerns you may have. Whether it’s fine-tuning the fit, adjusting the settings, or providing ongoing support, we’re here to ensure you have a successful hearing journey.
If you are experiencing difficulties or simply want more information on adjusting to your hearing aids, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us. Together, we can make sure your transition to better hearing is as smooth as possible.
References
- Adjustment to Hearing Aids: Kochkin, S. (2010). “The Impact of Hearing Instruments on Quality of Life.” Hearing Review.
- Cognitive Effects of Hearing Loss and Use of Hearing Aids: Lin, F. R., et al. (2011). “Hearing loss and incident dementia.” Archives of Neurology, 68(2), 155-160.
- Challenges in the Early Stages of Hearing Aid Use: Chien, W., & Lin, F. R. (2013). “Prevalence of hearing aid use among older adults in the United States.” Archives of Internal Medicine, 173(3), 203-212.
- Feedback and Sound Distortion in Hearing Aids: American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). Available at: https://www.asha.org.