On average, it takes about three to seven years for the average adult to receive hearing aids after the first signs of hearing loss are noticed. There is a lot of knowledge you need to know when getting your first ever hearing aids. Audiologists will typically take you through the basic functionalities of the hearing aids. They show you how to wear them and manipulate the controls and also how to replace the batteries.
Since there are different types of hearing aids, the audiologists should walk you through the different features as well as help you set up a flexible schedule for wearing them. For you to maximise the usefulness of hearing aids, they should be calibrated to remedy your unique condition, and most importantly, you should be willing to work to adapt to them.
There is a ton of information regarding hearing aids, which can be daunting. That is why we have prepared some quick tips on how to use these devices effectively. Read on to learn how people are getting used to hearing aids.
Ensure that you get used to your hearing aids
For anyone to get used to hearing aids, one must wear them as many times as possible. Just like all devices, the more you use them, the faster you become adapted to them. On average, it takes about a month or so to adapt to them. After this period, your brain gets to accept them naturally.
Expect to hear both familiar and unfamiliar sounds
When you put the hearing aids on, you will suddenly hear sounds that you didn’t expect. Some sounds will sound familiar while others are going to sound foreign so you will have to determine their source consciously. For sure, you will start picking up on background sounds such as footsteps, refrigerator noises, engine noises in your car, etc.
Learn how to deal with your own voice
Hearing your voice for the first time using hearing aids might seem strange especially if the ear canal is completely covered with the ear mold. Your voice will sound hollow as if it’s coming from the bottom of a barrel. You don’t need to worry in case of such an experience because this is entirely normal. You can correct this by piercing a small vent hole on the ear mold to curb the echo and relieve pressure that builds up over time.
Discerning meaningful sounds from unwanted sounds
One of the greatest challenges you will have to overcome is the inability to discern meaningful sounds from unwanted sounds. After years of evolution, our ears have learned to pick up the crucial sounds, leaving out background noise. Hearing aids don’t discriminate sounds. Differentiating these sounds can be both overwhelming and annoying during the first few weeks. However, the ability to differentiate these sounds usually get better with time.
Booking follow-up appointments
It is advisable you book an appointment between the first and third month of using the hearing devices to tackle the problems you encountered during this period. During the appointment, the audiologist can recalibrate your ear piece as well as address issues such as uncomfortable ear pieces.
Maintaining your hearing aids
Maintaining your hearing aids is important in enhancing their effectiveness and extending their life span. Maintenance usually involves cleaning and storage tips for your hearing aids. You should aim to keep them away from wax and avoid getting them wet.
Seek extra support
One of the most difficult realities to accept is your loss of hearing. Relying on hearing aids can be mentally challenging. You may, therefore, need extra support from people experiencing the same challenge. You can actively seek them online or ask your audiologist to connect you with local support groups.
Speak out about your condition
Disclosing your condition to the people you interact with is important. You can start by informing your family and close friends. Let them know that they need to improve on the way they communicate with you.
Enroll in a lip-reading class
An effective method of coping with hearing loss is enrolling in lip-reading classes. The classes provide the ideal platform for you to learn the skill of lip-reading. The best thing about lip-reading classes is that their teaching methods are more practical than theoretical. You will get to practice with people going through a similar situation and also provide support for one another.
In conclusion, hearing aids are designed to assist you and have a lot of benefits. The hearing aids will help you in any business. Whether you’re working in public places like a bank, a supermarket or even attending a meeting, these devices can be very helpful. More importantly, if you need more peace and silence, you can effortlessly take them off.
