Are you new to hearing aids? Are you aware it may take months to feel completely adjusted to wearing your new device?
During the important early days, everything may seem loud, the pitch of the telephone may seem shrill, the hum of the refrigerator may be highly distracting. It can be an overwhelming time, but these missing sounds will become part of your subconscious again.
Just like with anything new, mistakes will happen. Understanding the most common mistakes made by new hearing aid users can help you avoid them!
Most Common Mistakes Made by New Hearing Aid Users
Your hearing aid is an advanced piece of technology which can maximize your hearing experience. But they can take some getting used to. Make your adjustment period easier by avoiding these common mistakes made by new hearing aid users.
Starting in a Loud Environment
It can be tempting to jump right into a noisy room. After all, you want to hear everything! But this can be very overwhelming, and a lot louder than you might expect.
The first time you put your hearing aids on, we recommend that you sit in a quiet room in your house. This gives you time to adjust to the new sounds in an environment that you’re comfortable with. Don’t be surprised – some sounds may seem very loud! This is normal, and your brain will learn to adjust.
Rushing into Things
Start Slowly. It will take your brain some time to identify and interpret the new sounds that you’re able to hear again. Start slowly by wearing your hearing aids for a couple of hours in the day. As you become more accustomed to the sounds, you can increase the time that you’re wearing them.
Playing with Volume Settings
Your hearing healthcare specialist should have fit your hearing aid to your particular needs. If you feel that you’re not hearing everything as you should, avoid the temptation to adjust the volume.
You should not need to manually adjust the volume on your hearing aids very often. Many hearing aids will automatically adjust the volume depending on the different listening situations you are in. If you find you do need to increase the volume on your device, don’t put it up too much.
Not Using Technology
Many hearing aid devices use Telecoil Technology or Telecoil Mode which allows them to wirelessly connect to other electronic devices. Hearing aids that include this feature can connect to smartphones, computers, microphones and other compatible devices. The sounds are then transmitted directly into your hearing aid.
Impatience
Patience and persistence are key in getting used to new hearing aids. It can feel uncomfortable when you first start wearing a hearing aid. We recommend you gradually build up how long you wear it for. Start with an hour a day in a quiet, comfortable environment. Before you know it, you’ll be wearing them all day. Remember to remove them at night to give your ears and brain a rest.
Wearing Hearing Aids at the Wrong Time
There are times it is not recommended to wear your Hearing Aids. This is to help protect your hearing aid devices, and to give your ears time to rest. You shouldn’t wear your hearing aids when:
- You’re sleeping – it is best to give your ears a rest.
- You’re in humid environments, whilst near to water i.e. swimming or showering and when playing sports.
- Applying hairspray, sun lotion, perfume or cosmetics.
Have a Question? Want to Get Your Hearing Checked? Contact Us Today!
At Hearing, Balance & Speech Center, our hearing care professionals would be happy to give you a hearing assessment. Give us a call on 203-774-5642 to arrange an appointment, or click here to request one online.