How Long Does it Take to Adjust to Hearing Aids?
Hearing aids open up the world of sound for you, but it may take anywhere from two to four months to become accustomed to them and get all the benefits.
Try to be patient in the trial period and don’t expect too much for the first few months, but if you’re worried about how you’re progressing, call a hearing care professional at Ace Audiology so we can help. Remember, though, it takes practice and following a few tips.
Patience is Key in the First Few Months
Your hearing aids will probably need adjustments several times over the first few months, and getting it right for you is a team effort, so keep us in the loop and speak up if you have any concerns.
We can adjust the frequency and loudness of the high-frequency sounds as you become used to your hearing aids. There are different frequency-lowering options available from various hearing aid manufacturers, and in rare cases, people don’t need to adjust to them.
Why Does it Take So Long to Adjust to Hearing Aids?
Over time, your brain has become accustomed to your hearing loss and compensated for it, so it needs to re-learn which sounds to focus on and which ones to tone down or ignore. For example, when we’re in a crowded room, our brains turn down the background noise and allow us to focus on what people close by are saying. As we said, it takes practice.
Your First Experience With Your Hearing Aids
When you’ve lived for a long time with hearing loss, the sounds you hear when you wear hearing aids for the first time may surprise you. But new hearing aid wearers adjust to the new way of hearing over time and learn how to adjust the frequency and volume to suit their comfort level.
Your first experiences wearing your new hearing aids are important to the successful adjustment to your devices. We urge you to follow any tips or instructions given by your hearing aid professionals. If you have any problems, don’t hesitate to call us for advice and assistance.
Even though you’ll notice the difference in your hearing straight away, it usually takes some months before you adapt to them fully. Again, it takes practice.
Do I Need to Keep Adjusting the Volume?
Today’s hearing aids automatically select the appropriate volume when turned on, so you usually don’t have to make any further adjustments. But there are things you can do if you decide to adjust the volume for better hearing in a room with background noises.
When using the hearing aids or with an app, don’t turn the new hearing aid up too loud since this rarely helps you understand what is being said and allows for better hearing.
Take An Active Part in Conversations
Even those who can hear normally sometimes have trouble following conversations or discussions, especially if a few people are talking at once. If you’re wearing hearing aids, move closer to the person you would like to hear and focus on them.
If you’re not used to hearing aids, you’ll be able to manage these situations with more confidence as you gain experience. Additional devices can also be helpful in these situations. You can find out more about an appropriate solution from your hearing care professional.
Don’t Stay At Home – Go Out to Public Places
While it can be a challenge to hear in church, theatres, halls and such for hearing aids wearers, don’t let that stop you from going.
The acoustics are not always ideal, but if you try to sit in the front and centre of the room where the acoustics are usually better, it will help. Try not to sit too close to the speakers, just close enough to see their faces.
Some public spaces have specialist equipment to help make understanding easier for hearing aid wearers, so ask before you attend or when you arrive.
Watch and Listen to TV and Radio Programs and Keep Up
Even those with good hearing can sometimes not understand each word said on radio or television, so it can be challenging for those with hearing loss or new aids. So, try concentrating on the context of the program you are listening to or watching. You may need an extra listening device to help boost your hearing aids when the program is hard to hear.
Use Your Hearing Aids With Your Phone
There may be options to choose from as a hearing aid wearer to improve how you make and answer phone calls.
Our professionals at Ace Audiology can give you tips and help you find a workable solution for you. There are hearing aids that allow hands-free phone calls that can stream audio from Android, iOS and other Bluetooth-enabled devices.
For advice, information, or to make a booking call us at Ace Audiology on 03 9850 8888 in Bulleen and 03 9440 9409 in Ivanhoe.