When a loved one gets their first pair of hearing aids, your support can play a crucial role in helping them adjust. Let’s explore some common challenges new hearing aid users face and how you can make the transition smoother.
Challenges New Hearing Aid Users Face
A few challenges your loved one may face when they first get their new hearing aids include:
- Adjusting to new sounds. New hearing aid users often feel overwhelmed as everyday noises, like footsteps, rustling paper or traffic, suddenly sound louder.
- Getting comfortable wearing their devices. Many users struggle with the physical sensation of wearing hearing aids all day, especially if they’re not used to having something in or behind their ears.
- Learning to maintain their devices. New hearing aid wearers often face a learning curve when cleaning, storing and changing batteries or charging their hearing aids.
- Feeling confident in their devices. Many people worry that their hearing aids will make them appear older or less able to move about the world independently. While that stigma is rapidly changing, it can be difficult for them to feel confident in their devices.
Tips To Support Your Loved One
A few ways you can help ease your loved one’s transition into hearing aids include:
- Schedule quiet get-togethers. Loud events can feel a little chaotic for someone getting used to their first hearing aids. Support your loved one by scheduling quiet get-togethers like picnics at Jaycee Park or a night at a chill wine bar.
- Be patient. Even though hearing aids amplify speech, new users can still struggle with processing the newly amplified sounds. Be patient if you need to repeat or rephrase your sentences to ensure they understand you.
- Attend follow-up appointments. A 2022 study found that patients who attend audiology appointments with their significant other are more likely to adopt hearing aids and report greater satisfaction. Show your loved one you care about their hearing aid journey by joining them at initial consultations and follow-up appointments.
- Just listen. You don’t need to make grand gestures to show your support. Something as simple as listening to your loved one’s concerns about getting new hearing aids can make all the difference.
To learn more about hearing aids, contact Aaron's Hearing Aid & Audiology Center today for an appointment with one of our specialists.