Mastering Your New Hearing Aids: 8 Tips for Adjustment and Comfort

Hearing is an incredible sense that connects us to the world around us. Alongside our other senses like sight, smell, taste, and touch, hearing helps us navigate through life. 

It’s important to cherish our ability to hear because if we lose it, the world can feel confusing and lonely. 

Luckily, hearing aids offer an effective solution, and now they’re even more accessible and affordable as they can be purchased over the counter without a prescription.

However, whether you choose prescription or over-the-counter hearing aids, it takes some time to adjust to them. When you first start using hearing aids, parts of your ear and brain that have been inactive due to hearing loss suddenly become stimulated. 

This might feel overwhelming initially, but it’s a natural part of the adjustment process.

 According to experts, it can take two to four weeks for your brain to adapt to the new way of perceiving sounds. 

Here are some tips to help you get accustomed to your new hearing aids.

1. Take it slow

Give yourself time to adjust gradually. When you put on your new hearing aids, you might find that your own voice sounds different. Remember that sounds are now captured by a microphone, amplified, and delivered to your ear. 

It’s normal to feel that every noise is too loud in the beginning. Background noises and sounds that you hadn’t noticed before might become prominent. Your brain needs time to relearn which sounds to pay attention to and which to ignore.

2. Familiarize yourself with your own voice

Reading aloud in a quiet room can be helpful. Take a favorite book or magazine, find a comfortable chair, and read aloud for a few minutes each day. Wear your hearing aids all day, every day, for a week or two to become accustomed to the sounds that you may have previously overlooked. 

Remember, adjusting to new hearing aids, whether prescription or over-the-counter, can be tiring. If you need a break, take some quiet time without wearing them.

3. Ensure comfort

It’s essential to ensure that your hearing aids fit correctly in your ear. Factors like weight gain or loss can affect the fit, so pay attention to that. If you suspect excessive earwax is blocking your ear canal, consult a doctor or audiologist to address the issue. 

Additionally, check if the tubing connecting to the mold has hardened, as it may require adjustment or replacement. Even if you have over-the-counter hearing aids, an audiologist can assist you with any discomfort or problems.

4. Address whistling issues

It’s not uncommon for hearing aids to whistle in certain situations, like when you put on a scarf or hug someone. This is called hearing aid feedback.

Many hearing aids now come with features to minimize whistling, but their effectiveness may vary. If you experience this issue, consult with your hearing care professional to find a solution that works for you.

5. Control the level of noise

While hearing aids can’t completely block unwanted noises, newer models often include sensors to reduce sudden loud sounds. Some aids can also adjust the level of constant noise found in crowded places or events. 

If background noises bother you, discuss with your audiologist or hearing aid specialist to understand the features available in the aids you own or plan to purchase.

6. Connect what you hear with what you see

Training your brain to connect sounds and language can be beneficial. Try watching television with closed captioning and reading the subtitles while you listen to the program. 

Another option is to listen to an audiobook while following along with the printed book. You can also have someone read a newspaper or magazine article to you while you read it yourself.

7. Keep your hearing aids clean and dry

Regularly clean your hearing aids using a cleaning kit, which usually includes a small brush with soft bristles.
Clean them in the morning once any wax has dried. 

To avoid moisture damage, consider using a drying jar or electronic dryer overnight. Remember to avoid wet cloths or harsh cleaners.

8. Take care of your ears

While hearing aids are designed to help you hear comfortably, some individuals may find loud sounds uncomfortable. If this happens, reach out to your audiologist or the store where you purchased your hearing aids. 

Look for devices with a generous return policy and remember that adjusting the volume can make loud sounds more manageable while still allowing you to enjoy softer sounds. 

Schedule a Hearing Consultation with Sandia Hearing Aids Santa Fe

Our team of experienced hearing specialists is dedicated to assisting you in assessing your hearing ability and suggesting a range of suitable solutions. 

By booking a free consultation, we can evaluate any potential hearing loss you may have and provide recommendations on products that will enable you to regain your enjoyment of everyday activities.