Hearing aids are wonderful devices used to restore sounds to those with hearing loss. However, there is often an adjustment period when wearing them for the first time. Some may be tempted to avoid wearing their aids due to this discomfort, but there are ways to improve the fit and functionality for easier use. Below are a few tips to help you get used to wearing them.  

How to Adjust to Wearing Hearing Aids

1. Start in a Quiet Room

The first day wearing your hearing aids shouldn’t be too strenuous. After inserting them, find a quiet room in your house where you can just listen to the surrounding noises. Listen for faint sounds as well as louder ones. They all might seem a little unnatural and distracting at first, but as you adjust, you’ll be able to filter out each noise. Also, try speaking aloud to get used to your voice, which might seem abnormally loud initially.

2. Wear Them Daily

Although you probably shouldn’t start out wearing hearing aids full-time, you’ll need to increase this frequency to adjust to having them on. Putting them in each day and making an effort to wear them in different noise environments will allow your brain and ears to connect and adjust to different sounds. It will also help to identify any bothersome sounds, so your audiologist can make adjustments during your next visit.   

3. Avoid Altering the Volume Too Often

Hearing aids typically adjust to different noises automatically, so there is no reason to adjust the volume manually very often. Also, doing this will prevent your ears from acclimating to the surrounding sounds naturally. You might also be tempted to turn them up to hear faint sounds, but doing this could cause further hearing loss.

Whether you recently purchased your first hearing aid or you are concerned about your ability to hear faint noises, Russellville Hearing Clinic in Russellville, AR, can help. Dr. Palmer and his team provide hearing aids and protection services to the River Valley area. They also help new wearers get used to their instruments and offer fittings to ensure they’re as comfortable as possible. Call them today at (479) 968-7250 to schedule a hearing test, or visit the clinic’s website to learn more about them.