Wearing hearing aids can dramatically transform your life. By amplifying sounds, they can make it easier for you to hear, communicate, and go about a daily routine. Growing accustomed to wearing one, however, can prove challenging. If you’re new to them or are about to invest in your first set, here are some tips to help you adjust.

How to Adjust to Hearing Aids

1. Fit Matters Most

While modern hearing aid systems are equipped with technology that eliminates or cuts down on feedback, those sounds can occasionally filter through if the aids aren’t positioned properly. Before leaving the audiologist’s office, take the hearing aids in and out of your ears a few times, so they can confirm that you’re doing it properly.

2. Ease Into Them

It’s normal to experience some initial shock as you hear sounds again. At first, you can expect the sounds to be especially loud and even high-pitched. This is completely normal, and your brain will adjust to the new sounds over time. The only way to cognitively adapt, though, is by exposing yourself to sounds consistently. Wear them all day, and only remove them when showering. 

3. Avoid Loud Situations

While growing accustomed to wearing them, avoid going into a noisy situation right from the start. Going to a concert or a busy restaurant can be overwhelming, especially because the brain is still learning how to adapt and differentiate between conversations happening right in front of you and background noises. The more time the brain has to adjust, the easier it will be to listen to noisier situations later.

4. Assess Comfort Level

While you’ll need to visit the audiology clinic shortly after getting the hearing device to have it fine-tuned, schedule a visit sooner if you find that the sounds are too loud for comfort. They may need to be reprogrammed to ensure that they’re set at the right amplification level. You should also see the provider if the devices cause considerable comfort upon insertion. 

If you’re concerned about your hearing and would like to find out if you’re a candidate for hearing aids, visit Russellville Hearing Clinic in Arkansas. Proudly serving patients throughout Pope County, Dr. Charlie Palmer is committed to providing top-level care using state-of-the-art equipment. Visit the website to learn more about their services, or call (479) 968-7250 to schedule a hearing test.