Hearing aids are incredible things, but they can take a little time to get used to. They offer a whole new lifestyle, but it takes time to fit them into your daily routine – and for your brain to adapt to a whole new sonic experience.
Once you’re comfortable with them, you’ll truly feel the benefits; from telephone calls to nights out in busy restaurants, hearing aids can make a world of difference.
Here are 5 essential tips to ensure you and your hearing aids have a long and happy life together.
1. Take short breaks from your hearing aids
Hearing aids can transform your hearing, but some people are put off after wearing them for the first time. Sounds can seem louder when you start using hearing aids, from the hum of a fridge to wind to the birds in the trees. Background noises that were once unnoticeable are now quite apparent and this can take some getting used to. Luckily, your brain soon adjusts, processing these sounds as true background noise, not as ‘new’ foreground noise.
To aid this process, try taking short breaks from wearing your hearing aids, or turn down the volume slightly, particularly when in noisy environments.
2. Start with quieter environments
It’s tempting to get new hearing aids and immediately rush out into the big wide world to try them out. To avoid being overwhelmed by the cacophony, try starting off in quieter environments, like your home. Then gradually move on to noisier, more crowded places so that you ease the ears and brain into hearing again in these complex sonic environments.
3. Wear them consistently, every day
So far, we’ve talked about taking slow steps with your hearing aids, but they also need perseverance: with hearing aids, practice makes perfect. Commit to wearing your hearing aids every day, even if it’s just for a few hours at a time. Then build up to wearing them for a whole day at a time. Remember that adjusting to hearing aids can take weeks.
4. Take care of your hearing aids
It might sound obvious, but as with anything that we take for granted, it’s all too easy to neglect them. So, what’s the best way to look after your hearing aids?
- Try to avoid handling them with wet or dirty hands.
- Don’t get them wet: remove your hearing aids before swimming or showering.
- Take them out at night and keep them in their protective box, in a clean dry place.
- If possible, remove the battery at night and keep the battery compartment open to let any moisture evaporate.
- Clean your ears before wearing your hearing aids.
- Periodically clean them with a soft, dry cloth or specialist hearing aid care products.
5. Make full use of your audiologist
Remember that hearing aids aren’t an overnight solution – it can take weeks for your brain to adjust. What’s more, it can take some time to find the ideal settings, and this is best done in collaboration with your audiologist. Be sure to give full feedback on how the hearing aid has been performing. This helps your audiologist configure the hearing aids to deliver the best possible hearing performance.
Give us a call or pop in
The experienced audiologists at The Hearing Care Partnership are always happy to help. Not only do we offer a free hearing aid demonstration as part of your free hearing test, we also offer a free trial and free aftercare too.
Most importantly, we want you to be happy and comfortable with your hearing aids – that’s why The Hearing Care Partnership takes all the time that’s needed to get you the hearing aids you deserve. No rushing, no hard sell.
Where’s my nearest branch?
Find your local branch of The Hearing Care Partnership here or book your free hearing assessment in store. You can also use our quick and easy online appointment booking tool.