We discussed a few tips in becoming used to your new hearing aids in a previous article. We want to emphasize more practical tips in this regard in this article. Just remember that, in the end, it’s your determination to get the most from your hearing aids that will make you stick to actually wearing them.
Adopt a Positive Attitude
Your mindset will influence your attitude toward hearing aids, just as it influenced your outlook in life before hearing aids came into your life. You’re well-advised to adopt a positive attitude early on. You will find that while there are side effects to wearing hearing aids, the benefits far outweigh them.
When you have a positive mindset, you will find that you’re less frustrated with the initially weird feeling of having hearing aids in your ears. You will initially feel awkward with them in your ears, just as you would when it’s your first time to wear eyeglasses. But with consistent use, you will eventually get used to them.
Wear Them for a Limited Period Initially
You don’t have to wear your hearing aids 24/7 either! Keep in mind that your goal is to become accustomed to them, not cause more discomfort to your ears from the constant stimuli. You can wear them in environments and situations you’re comfortable in.
You can start wearing them at home only. You can then practice wearing them without making self-conscious movements like rubbing your earlobes. You can then transition to wearing them for a few hours at a time outside.
Keep in mind, too, that wearing them in everyday situations, such as when you’re at work or in other public places, is useful in determining which sounds you’re comfortable with. Your audiologist can then make the necessary adjustments based on your specific needs.
Wear Them in a Quiet Place First
On your first day of wearing your customized hearing aids, you should sit in a quiet place, such as your bedroom, with the external sounds tuned out. You will then be able to listen to the faint external sounds, such as a clock ticking or a radiator humming. You can get used to these subtle sounds first and then transition to louder sounds.
Practice Your Conversations
You may feel weird about hearing external sounds better and clearer. You may even speak in a louder voice because you feel like the louder sounds you’re hearing deserves a corresponding action on your part. You should then practice conversations with your close family and friends.
By doing so, you will learn to modulate your voice depending on the situation. You will also be able to practice your active listening skills, such as looking at the face cues, hand gestures and body language.
Think of your new hearing aids as something that will change your life but before they do, they demand some getting used to. Your attitude will change and you’re more likely to accept them.
Source:
HK Hearing & Speech Centre
Specialist of Hearing test & assessment,
and Hearing Aid Prescription
http://www.hkhearingspeech.com