Many people mistakenly believe that when they put in their hearing aids for the first time, it’ll be like putting on a pair of glasses in that they’ll be able to hear as well as they once did right away. But that’s not the case.
It’s more like this: When you step outside of Citadel Mall Stadium 16 after watching a movie in the dark, it takes your eyes some time to adjust to the bright sunlight. Your ears are the same way; they’ll need some time to adjust to all the sounds you’ve been missing.
Below we review what the hearing aid adjustment period is like so you know what to expect.
How Long Will It Take to Adjust to Hearing Aids?
Unfortunately, there’s no simple answer to this question. The longer you’ve gone without treating your hearing loss, the longer it will take to adjust.
If you’ve put off treatment for your hearing loss for a while, you’re not alone. Studies show that the average person waits more than 10 years to seek treatment for hearing loss from the time they first start showing signs of the condition.
The point is, it will take as long as it takes. The key is to be patient and trust the process.
Make Sure You’ve Got the Right Fit
An audiologist can make sure your hearing aids physically fit well in your ears. If they don’t fit right, you may experience physical discomfort or sound distortion, which will cause you to not want to wear your devices.
After taking molds of your ears to ensure a proper physical fit, your audiologist will then program the devices to the exact specifications of your hearing loss based on your hearing test. Keep in mind that your hearing needs in a soundproof booth are different from your hearing needs in the real world, so you may need to come back to your audiologist to have the programming adjusted.
Start Low and Slow
For maximum success with your devices, 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.
Revisit Your 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 devices.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, call Charleston ENT & Allergy today.