Adjusting to Your Hearing Aids

The Adjustment Period

Learning to use hearing aids effectively does not happen overnight. It takes a while to learn to focus on specific sounds. People who have had a hearing loss for a long time have gotten used to the quiet and may have forgotten about all the every day sounds (the refrigerator humming, birds singing, etc.) Suddenly, hearing all that again can be a shock to the system.

With time, patience and some practice, you can learn to refocus your concentration and hear the sounds you want to hear again. Its important to remember that you have to be patient and go slowly. Take your aids out for awhile if you feel tense or tired.

Important Things to Remember

1. Be satisfied with the small steps as you learn to adjust to your hearing aids. By following the program your hearing specialist has laid out for you, you will comfortably get used to the sounds you hear with your new aids.

2. Hearing aids will not restore your hearing to its normal levels. Instead, the hearing aids compensate for some of the sounds that your own ears cant pick up as well any more. If used properly, they can make communication with loved ones and others easier.

3. It will take a fair amount of time and patience. By keeping your expectations realistic, your adjustment will progress more smoothly.

4. You will need the help of family and friends or those you interact with in everyday life. You need to explain your situation to them and ask for their help and patience as you learn to use your aids effectively. Ask them to face you directly when speaking so you can see their face clearly. Explain to them that you will probably ask them to repeat things often, especially at first. Reassure them that with their help, you will become a better communicator once again.

5. You might have days when you feel overwhelmed and fatigued. This is a normal part of the adjustment process and it will pass as you become more comfortable with your hearing aids. It will take a large amount of concentration to relearn how to listen again.

6. Dont hesitate to call Valley Hearing Consultants at any time if you have questions about your hearing aids or the adjustment process.