Have you recently invested in a new pair of hearing aids? It’s likely that people close to you have been gently suggesting that you have had hearing loss for years, but denial and procrastination are powerful emotions to overcome. So, if you have recently taken the leap and invested in new hearing aids then a huge congratulation is in order. The majority of people wait far too long to address their hearing loss. The longer you wait the more some of the dangerous side effects of hearing loss can take place. This includes rifts in relationships due to chronic communication issues, chronic depression and cognitive decline which increases the risk of dementia later in life. These effects are better avoided with early treatment rather than attempted to reverse when it may not even be an option anymore.
You’ve made the right choice in investing in a pair of hearing aids, but it may take some time to get used to them. Remember not to give up. Hearing aids offer lifesaving support to improve the quality of your life for years to come. Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your new pair of hearing aids.
Why Hearing Aids?
When hearing loss sets in, some sounds are lost. It’s not a blanket of even loss but certain sounds, tones and pitches are lost. This can often mean the loss of consonants such as sh, f, b, v, s, c, and d. As you can imagine this makes it difficult to follow everyday conversation. While there is no way to go back and correct hearing loss once it’s been lost, hearing aids present a treatment method where they can pinpoint, based on a hearing exam and amplify the specific tones and pitches you struggle with. Because hearing loss manifests differently for everyone, it’s important that you attend a hearing exam in order to get the most precise programing to add ease to your social interactions, and everyday conversations at home and work.
New and louder sounds
You may have not realized you’ve had hearing loss for years previous, due to the subtle nature in which it progresses. Your brain rationalizes the loss and while communications may exist, unless loved ones point it out, it’s easy to believe that it’s other people who mumble – not a fault of your own ears. When you finally take the leap to invest in new hearing aids, you may be jarred at the new access to sounds which you may have previously not heard for years. Even the sound of your own voice may feel abrasively amplified. Give it time. Before you
Hearing Aids are Not Glasses
This might seem obvious but when you first put on a new pair of properly prescribed glasses it instantaneously corrects your vision. In comparison, the first time you put hearing aids on, they are going to take time for your brain to adjust to all the new influx of sound.
Start Slowly
At first, just wear your hearing aids at home for just an hour or two at a time. As the days go on, try wearing them for longer stretches. The idea is to build up and after two weeks your brain should be acclimated to the new amplification and the sounds that come with it. You can try exercises to help you adjust. Even reading aloud to yourself, can help your transition towards enhanced hearing easier.
Fitting is an Ongoing Process
It may feel weird and uncomfortable at first when you start wearing hearing aids in your ear. It’s recommended that you wear hearing aids ideally from the time you wake up till you go to sleep, only to be removed for bathing or swimming. This is a long time to wear hearing aids. If they don’t feel right the first time, we are here to trouble shoot and help you find the most comfortable fit for your new
Continue to Test
Even if you have recently tested and it’s been found that you have hearing loss doesn’t mean that you never have to test again. In fact, if you’ve already had some hearing loss it’s more likely it will progress. Make sure to stay up to date on your hearing exams. If you are overdue for an annual checkup, schedule yours with us today!