When many people are fit with their first set of hearing aids, they mistakenly believe that putting them in for the first time will be like putting on a pair of prescription eyeglasses—they think they’ll be able to hear all the sounds around them with ease right away.
Unfortunately, this is not the case. Because you’ve likely gone a long time without hearing well, it will take time for your ears and brain to re-learn how to process sounds. This period is called the “adjustment period” by audiologists.
Below, we review what you can expect during the hearing aid adjustment period.
How Long Will It Take to Adjust to Hearing Aids?
There isn’t a simple answer to this question. Basically, the longer you’ve gone without treating your hearing loss, the longer it will take to adjust.
If you have put off treating your hearing loss for a while, you’re not alone. Studies show that the average person waits more than ten years to seek treatment for hearing loss from the time they first start showing symptoms.
Should I Start Low & Slow?
For maximum success with your hearing aids, you should start by wearing them at low volume for just an hour or two a day. This way, sounds won’t be painfully loud, and you won’t get overwhelmed by hearing sounds you’ve been missing all day long.
As you begin to get used to your devices, you can gradually wear them for longer each day and turn up the volume so that you can hear more easily.
If you start to feel overwhelmed, take a listening break.
Will Adjustments Need to Be Made?
After taking molds of your ears to ensure a proper physical fit, your audiologist will program your hearing aids to the exact specifications of your hearing loss based on your hearing test.
Keep in mind that your hearing was tested in a soundproof booth, which is different from real world situations. Because of this, you may need to return to your audiologist to have the programming adjusted a few times during the adjustment period.
When Should I Contact My Audiologist?
If you experience any problems with your hearing aids, don’t be afraid to contact your audiologist. They can help troubleshoot any problems you’re having so that you can experience success with your new hearing aids.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, call Aaron's Hearing Aid & Audiology Center today.