If you’re considering hearing aids for the first time, remember that your experience is unique from anyone else’s. Keep reading for some tips on how to prepare for wearing hearing aids.
When Hearing Loss Leads to Hearing Aids
Many people wait years to find a solution to their hearing loss, and waiting can worsen or make your hearing loss more challenging. Your hearing is an important sense that connects you to your environment. The things you enjoy in your life like your family, friends, work colleagues, TV shows, music, etc. all rely on your ability to hear in order to enjoy them to their fullest. In fact, not being able to enjoy these things due to hearing loss increases your risk of cognitive decline. This is why it is so important to have your hearing checked if you sense an issue.
Hearing aids can be intimidating; they are small, they include a lot of technology, they require special care, and adjustments need to be made periodically to make sure they are doing the best job they can for you. Some people feel like hearing aids are too much of an investment, both in time and money. However, hearing aids have been shown to slow cognitive decline by as much as 50% in people who were at a high risk of developing dementia.
There is an adjustment period when you first start wearing hearing aids, and some factors you should be prepared for, but hearing aids can make not only your hearing, but your life, so much better.
Understanding your Hearing Aids
The number one fear that most people have when hearing aids are on the horizon is how to operate them. Depending on where you purchase your hearing aids, the level of assistance with learning how to use them varies.
If you purchase your hearing aids from a hearing care professional, like an audiologist, the time will be taken to teach you everything you need to know about operating them. If you purchase over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids, you’ll miss out on the in-person support but will be provided an instructional manual. Obviously, obtaining your hearing aids from a professional audiologist is the route that will provide the most help in setting them up and making sure they are adjusted to your unique needs.
Once you’ve acquired your hearing aids, there are a few tips to follow to help in getting comfortable with them.
Tips for New Hearing Aid Wearers
As mentioned, you should expect a period of adjustment when you first start wearing hearing aids. Some things to keep in mind to help smooth the adjustment period include:
- Begin by wearing them at home: You may leave your audiologist appointment wearing your new hearing aids and believing you’re ready to conquer the world. However, your new hearing ability may be over-stimulating at first. It’s a good idea to go home and introduce your improved hearing slowly to your environment.
- Gradually increase wear time: The goal is to wear your hearing aids during your waking hours, but it may take some time to get there. If you experience any headaches, discomfort, or tiredness from wearing your new hearing aids, give yourself a break. Try to increase your wear time a little each day.
- Follow-up with your audiologist: Audiologists are there to help make your hearing aids work for you. Whether that means adjusting them to make them more comfortable, or teaching you how to use the app on your phone to perfect your desired settings, use your audiologist as a resource.
- Expect some frustration: The adjustment period won’t be perfect, but the desired outcome is that your hearing will be the best it can be. Know that there will be days where you feel maybe your hearing aids aren’t for you. But, don’t give up. Stay consistent with wearing them and know that they are a valuable tool for you.
- Learn about your hearing aids and how to care for them: The technology available in hearing aids is immense. There are so many functions meant to maximize your experience. Learning all of these functions will take time. Knowing how and when to charge the batteries for your hearing aids, how to clean them, store them, etc. are all ways to keep your hearing aid experience on track and positive.
Wearing hearing aids connects you to your community and offers wearers a way to live life to the fullest. Getting used to hearing aids takes time, just like any new device you learn to use. Seeing an audiologist, like those at Hearing Solution Centers, for your hearing aid needs will make the process as straightforward and comfortable as possible.
Reach out to Hearing Solution Centers today to schedule your hearing test!