An estimated 28.8 million U.S. adults could benefit from hearing aids. The benefits of these small yet technologically advanced devices are wide-ranging, from easier communication with others to greater environmental awareness. If you’re about to get your first hearing aids, let’s look at a few tips for acclimating to them effectively.
Go Slow
Many people find that the noise from their hearing aids, especially their own voice, sounds a little off at first. While that difference can feel jarring, it’s temporary. Over time, your brain will adjust to the new way of hearing. Start slowly by wearing your hearing aids in your home. Watch a little TV or listen to audiobooks via Bluetooth® on your devices to get used to speech and environmental sounds. As you feel comfortable, increase your time in busier environments. A good next step is a breakfast at Ells Place or a quiet dinner.
Your hearing aids should sound natural in a few weeks. If your devices don’t sound quite right after a few weeks, call us to adjust their settings.
Establish a Cleaning Routine
You should clean your hearing aids nightly to remove sweat, dirt or wax. Grab a kit with a wax pick & brush, vent cleaner, battery door opener, battery magnet and a soft cloth. Each night, brush off any visible wax, run the vent cleaner through the vents, check the battery levels and wipe down the casing with the soft cloth. If your devices have removable tubes, earmolds or domes, remove and wash them in warm, soapy water. After cleaning, put your devices in a safe place or in their charging cases.
Cleaning your hearing aids is a new nightly chore, so consider setting an alarm each day to remind yourself to clean them.
Familiarize Yourself With the Companion App
Many modern hearing aids come with a companion app. In the app, you can adjust settings, enable tinnitus masking if your devices support it, check battery life and more. Take a few minutes to learn how the app works so that you can make adjustments on the go.
Take Breaks
If you start to feel overwhelmed with all the new noises, it’s okay to take a short 10- to 15-minute break away from your devices. While consistency matters, giving yourself a brief pause can actually support your long-term success. Take the break you need, then put your hearing aids back in when you feel ready.
Call Us
If you have questions during the hearing aid acclimation process, give us a call at Benke Ear Nose & Throat Clinic. Our experts are more than happy to answer any and all questions that arise.