Getting fitted with hearing aids for the first time can be both thrilling and a little overwhelming. Taking the initiative to enhance your hearing can have a powerful impact, allowing you to participate more fully in discussions, reinforce connections with family and friends, and restore a deeper connection to the sounds that improve your daily life. But similar to any new experience, it’s normal to have concerns, particularly about how hearing aids will feel and how long it might take to adjust.
Many first-time users are uncertain what to expect. Will the hearing aids feel bulky or awkward? Will day-to-day sounds seem too loud? Will it take long to get accustomed to them? These concerns are common, but with the right guidance and a little determination, most people discover that hearing aids become a comfortable and essential part of daily life.
As you get through this change, it’s important to comprehend what lies ahead and take practical measures to minimize any disruption, ensuring a seamless integration into your new situation.
What to expect during the preliminary adjustment period
Do hearing aids produce discomfort? At first, they can feel a little bit peculiar, especially if you’ve never worn anything in your ears on a regular basis. Just like wearing a new pair of glasses or getting used to a wristwatch , it takes time for your brain and body to adjust.
There are two main areas where you’ll notice the most significant changes during the first few days or weeks of use:
Physical sensation
You may experience a sensation of discomfort or strangeness in your ear at first. This is completely normal. Many hearing specialists advise easing into use, starting with a few hours a day and gradually increasing the duration.
Some slight inconvenience is tolerable, but pain is not okay. If you experience discomfort or pain from your devices, reach out to your hearing care specialist without delay. They have the capability to modify the fit or experiment with a different style that would be more suitable for the shape of your ear.
Sound perception
Experiencing everyday sounds that were formerly unheard can be one of the most unexpected aspects of adapting to a new environment.
Initially, every day sounds like the fridge’s gentle thrum, birds chirping, or the creak of your own footsteps can seem abnormally loud. Accordingly, your brain is reacquainting itself with a wider spectrum of auditory signals.
It may feel overwhelming, but your brain will slowly learn to filter out unimportant background sound and focus on what really matters, like voices and music. Your auditory system is essentially redressing and adjusting to new sounds.
Tips to enhance hearing aid comfort and efficiency
Fortunately, there are multiple techniques available to help in making you feel at ease and self-assured as you acclimate to your new hearing devices.
1. Start gradually
Don’t feel pressured to wear your hearing aids all day right away. Start with dedicating one to four hours daily, especially in peaceful settings such as your residence.
Gradually increase as you become more comfortable with the feel and sound of the devices.
2. Practice makes perfect
Try wearing your hearing aids while engaging in activities that help your brain adjust. Participating in activities like reading along with audiobooks as you read or watching movies with subtitles can enhance your ability to distinguish speech and improve your listening skills in an enjoyable manner.
3. Keep to communicate with your audiologist.
Fit and performance go hand-in-hand. If you experience any discomfort or notice that something is not right, such as the fit of the device or the sound quality, act right away. Your audiologist can adjust your hearing aids and offer suggestions for enhanced benefits. In some cases, a custom-fit hearing aid may be the best solution for your distinct ear shape and needs.
Embracing your new hearing experience
You can expect a brief transition time as you get used to using your hearing aids. With regular use, proper care, and support from your hearing specialist, your hearing aids will soon feel like second nature.
Rather than focusing on the device itself, your focus will change to the joys of clearer conversations, nature sounds, music, and day-to-day interactions.
The path to success lies in persistence, commitment, and taking charge of your well-being. With time, your hearing aids will not only improve your hearing experience, but also enhance your total quality of life.