Relationships. Kid dance recitals. That “greatest hits” album your loved one can’t live without. Sometimes the things that matter can take a little extra effort on our part. But that doesn’t mean it’s not worth it, right?
Like better hearing! From meeting your newest born family member for the first time, to unwinding to the cozy patter of rain against your window — hearing aids allow us to experience life’s biggest moments and the beauty of every second in between.
But getting used to new hearing aids does take a little extra effort on your part. They aren’t like glasses where everything is instantly clearer the moment you put them on. They take time, patience, and practice.
Stay with it, though, and you’ll soon be enjoying all the rewards of better hearing.
Four tips for making adjusting to hearing aids easier
How long it takes to adapt to new hearing aids may depend on the style, how you wear them and how often, and your expectations. With these factors in mind, here are four things you can do to help make the adjustment period easier.
1. Give yourself time
Much like the way your brain must adapt to seeing with new glasses, it also must get used to hearing sounds again through your hearing aids. This process may fatigue you at first. Your ears may also feel “different” or some discomfort. That’s completely normal.
Wearing your hearing aids six to eight hours a day can lessen these occurrences by giving your ears time to adjust and feel normal wearing hearing aids.
2. Insert them correctly
Hearing aid comfort can depend on whether you’re inserting them the right way. These videos can help you to be sure.
3. Check your fit
Your style of hearing aids can affect how they fit and feel. Here’s what you may experience with each style, and solutions:
- Custom hearing aids are molded to fit your specific ear and inserted into your ear canal. While they may not be noticeable to others, having something inside your ears may feel very evident to you. You may experience physical discomfort — at worst, pain or a rub spot.
If that happens, tell your hearing care professional right away. They can check the physical fit of your hearing aids and modify, if needed, at your next visit.
- Standard hearing aids include a behind-the-ear piece connected to an earbud that inserts into your ear. This new addition to your ear may physically bother you at the start.
Let your professional know if that discomfort lasts longer than a few days. They may replace your earbud with a different size or make you a custom mold for a more comfortable, secure fit. If your issue is with the tubing or wire that descends into your ear, your professional can correct the length or shape to minimize rubbing and improve the fit.
- Any new hearing aid may cause itchiness. If this happens to you, ask your professional about a liquid product like Miracell. Applying it to the earpiece can help soothe irritation inside your ear. Your professional can show you how to use it without damaging your hearing aids.
4. Set realistic expectations
With something sitting on or in your ears for the first time, it’s only natural you may really be feeling your hearing aids in the early days. Expect it may take time to break them in — at least a month or two. Soon enough, not feeling them will become normal.
Remember, if you have any questions or concerns during the adjustment period, your hearing care professional is just a call away.
And don’t give up. A little effort with your hearing aids now will go a long way in rewards of better hearing. You’ve got this!
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