Hearing aids are advanced devices that can greatly improve your hearing, but you can’t expect a dramatic change the moment you put the device in your ear. Your brain and your ears will need to adjust to the change in hearing before you can feel comfortable with your new hearing aid. Improving your success with your hearing aid will require patience and following a few suggestions.
Be Patient and Optimistic
When you receive a new hearing aid, it may be difficult to be patient while your brain adjusts to the new device. If the hearing aid doesn’t give you immediate results, don’t despair. Adjusting will take time, but it’s also important to note that your hearing aid is not likely to perfectly restore your hearing. However, your hearing can improve if you keep wearing the device consistently. Keeping a good attitude and remaining committed to wearing your hearing aid can dramatically improve the success of your device.
Wear Your Hearing Aid Consistently
The feeling of the hearing aid in your ear will take some time to get used to before it feels comfortable. During this period of adjustment, you might feel tempted to remove the hearing aid frequently. However, doing this may set back your progress, causing you to need extra time before you notice a change in your hearing. Try to wear the hearing aid a little longer each day until you feel more comfortable and no longer notice the device. Don’t be too hard on yourself, however. If you’re having trouble getting used to your hearing aid, some adjustments may improve the situation.
Allow for Adjustments
Your hearing aid will likely need some tweaking before it is optimized for your situation. Discussing your hearing aid experience with a hearing specialist can help you make adjustments to improve the functionality of the device. It may take more than a few adjustments to get the hearing aid just right for you.
Learn More About Your Hearing Aid
Understanding how your hearing aid works can help you have a better experience with your device and get the most out of it. Some hearing aids have special features that may take some practice before you feel comfortable using them. For example, some hearing aids have memory modes optimized for a variety of situations, including:
- Attending a musical performance
- Visiting with a large group of people
- Watching television
With a remote, you can switch to the correct memory mode to improve your hearing. Talking with your hearing aid specialist can help you learn more about your specific model.
Share Your Experience with Family and Friends
Although your hearing aid should improve your hearing, you may still have trouble hearing well in some situations, such as when visiting with a large group. Take the time to explain to your friends and family members that you are using a hearing aid and may still have trouble understanding them. This should help your loved ones to remember to be patient if they need to repeat themselves so that you can hear them. Your friends and family members will likely join in motivating you to keep using the device and can gently remind you to use it.
The success of your hearing aid depends on your willingness to keep using the device, even when you aren’t noticing dramatic results. If you consistently wear the device and keep a positive attitude, you should begin to notice a change that will improve the quality of your life.