First time hearing aid users may quickly notice that they might take some time to get accustomed to the new experience. Using a hearing aid can even be a bit confusing, especially if your hearing loss has been gradual over the past several years. There will be sounds that you may not have heard in a while. Naturally, your brain will need some time to readjust to interpreting these sounds. As with most new challenges in life, the best thing to do is to take a positive approach and start off slowly with the adjustments. Here are some tips for people using a hearing aid for the first time.
Be Patient
Hearing aids will take some time to get accustomed to. Unlike wearing a new pair of eyeglasses, your hearing will not automatically improve. Rather, it will take some time and effort before you become completely comfortable with your new device. It is recommended that when you get your hearing aid device that you sit in a quiet place in your home. This will give you the opportunity to get familiar with the new sound quality within your living space.
Start Small
The journey of one thousand miles starts with one step. Take that same approach with your hearing aid, as reacquiring your hearing skills will take practice. Start by wearing your hearing aid for just a few hours at a time. If you begin to feel overwhelmed or exhausted you should remove it; however, try to wear the device a little longer each day.
Keep Realistic Goals
By now you may have realized that the key to improving your hearing is process. The time it takes to adapt to a hearing aid varies between individuals. Go into this journey at your own pace and set goals on a weekly basis until you’re fully comfortable. Keeping track of your goals will also demonstrate the amounts of improvement made.
Reading Aloud
Talking loudly is natural when experiencing hearing loss. Reading aloud to yourself while wearing your hearing aid will help you to regulate the volume of your voice for future conversations. In addition to helping with volume control, reading aloud will also help you get better at recognizing the sounds of words and speech.
Keep a Hearing Journal
Maintaining a journal of your hearing experiences will allow you to give quality feedback to your hearing aid specialist. Write down any noises that irritate or bother you. If you’re unable to hear a conversation in a crowded restaurant, be sure to note it down. These notes can also be used as part of your goal setting as previously mentioned.
Using a hearing aid takes humility and will come with its challenges. Taking a slow approach to this new chapter of your life is essential. By applying these tips, the transition to your hearing aid will be a smooth one. With the right attitude and a commitment to working through difficulties, your hearing aid will become a natural part of your life.