Our team’s expertise in pediatric audiology enables us to carefully evaluate children's hearing abilities and ensure that any hearing loss is detected early and appropriate interventions are taken.

Getting Hearing Aids for the First Time

by | Sep 16, 2016 | Hearing Aids, Patient Resources, Technology

Getting used to hearing aids can be like getting used to wearing a new pair of running shoes. Hearing aids have been shown to vastly improve hearing health and happiness. However, for many first-time wearers, it takes some time to break them in and get used to them. Below are some key tips that can help first-time hearing aid wearers adjust to the new life.

Check-in with your audiologist

Hearing aids are usually fitted to your ear shape with molds. When fitted for a hearing aid, an individual will also undergo a hearing test by an audiologist to determine the level of auditory damage. Hearing aids are also programmed to hear and process sounds according to an individual’s specific needs.

However, after wearing them for a few weeks to a month, individuals may find that they have difficulty with certain sounds and situations. This is why communicating with your audiologist during the first few weeks is crucial. The hearing aid may require some additional tuning, tweaking and programming to get them to fit and work just right.

Wear your hearing aids everyday

Putting in hearing devices and taking them out every night can seem like a hassle to someone who has just started wearing them. First-time wearers may be reluctant to put in their hearing aids regularly, especially if the hearing loss is not severe. But, your ears need time to adjust to the devices and the only way to get the ears used to the hearing aids is by wearing them every day.  

Practice adjusting your hearing aids

Hearing aids improve auditory functions considerably, but hearing with hearing aids is completely different from hearing like you used to in the past. You may process noises differently than before, so it is important to experiment and see how your perception has changed.

Listen to different types of music, go to recreational events, watch TV and do other activities that you did before being fitted. Then, observe and take note of how your hearing has changed. If you have any difficulty or notice any problems, discuss them with your audiologist.

Develop a cleaning routine

One of the leading causes for hearing aid malfunction is earwax buildup. People who start wearing hearing aids for the first time can prolong their hearing aid life and optimize their performance by creating and maintaining a daily cleaning regimen.

How you clean your devices may slightly vary depending on the type of hearing aid you wear. The most effective way to establish a routine is to clean them up when you are about to go to sleep.

Talk to others

Contrary to popular belief, getting used to hearing aids also involves mentally adjusting to hearing loss and getting corrective devices. Hearing loss can impact a person’s mental health and happiness, which is why first-time users may feel comfortable when they talk with others about how they feel. Thus, talk to other people who wear hearing aids and share your experiences.    

Although there may be some difficulties in getting used to hearing aids for the first time, hearing aids greatly improves an individual’s auditory and overall health. By keeping these tips in mind, people wearing hearing aids for the first time can easily make the transition.   

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Tina Evans HIS, COHC

Tina has had the privilege of being part of this amazing hearing healthcare practice for over 15 years. She became a Hearing Instrument Specialist (HIS) as well as a Certified Occupational Hearing Conservationist (COHC) in 2014. When she first joined Audiological Services, it was only the audiologist and herself; now, along with the rest of the team, have served the community well and grown the practice for over 25 years. Her mission is to provide professional, quality hearing healthcare while increasing public awareness regarding the early identification, treatment, and rehabilitation options for hearing loss. Her vision as the premier hearing healthcare center in East Texas where staff members genuinely welcome all who enter the door, work together to provide unsurpassed quality of care and effectively improve quality of life for her patients. Her values are honest, ethical professionalism, personalized care, integrity, reliable service with the most advanced technology, innovative hearing solutions with guaranteed satisfaction, and a warm friendly atmosphere. In her time away from work, Tina enjoys being involved in her church, and traveling with her husband, family, or friends in her RV. Tina’s handsome grandson is her pride and joy.