Adjusting to New Hearing Aids: Tips for a Smooth Transition

Getting new hearing aids marks the beginning of better hearing and improved communication with loved ones. The adjustment period requires patience and understanding as your brain adapts to processing sounds it hasn't heard in a while. Here's a practical guide to help make your transition to new hearing aids as smooth as possible.

Start with Quieter Environments

When you first receive your hearing aids, spend time in quiet settings at home. This gives your brain a chance to adjust to hearing everyday sounds like:

• The refrigerator humming
• Clock ticking
• Paper rustling
• Water running
• Footsteps

These sounds might seem unusually loud at first, but your brain will gradually adapt to hearing them again.

Follow a Consistent Wearing Schedule

Wear your hearing aids during all waking hours, even when alone. Consistent use helps your brain adapt more quickly to the new sound processing. If you find yourself getting tired (which is normal), take short breaks, but try to wear them as much as possible during the day.

Practice One-on-One Conversations

Begin with conversations in quiet settings with one person at a time. This allows you to:

• Focus on speech sounds without competing noise
• Practice localizing where sounds are coming from
• Get used to your own voice
• Learn to adjust volume levels comfortably

Gradually Introduce More Complex Listening Situations

After the first week or two, slowly introduce more challenging environments:

• Small group conversations
• Television watching
• Quiet restaurants
• Phone calls
• Outdoor environments

Take note of any situations where you have difficulty hearing and discuss these with your audiologist during follow-up appointments.

Read Aloud to Yourself

Reading aloud helps you adjust to the sound of your own voice with hearing aids. Many new users notice their voice sounds different - this is normal and will improve as you adapt to wearing your devices.

Use Your Hearing Aid Features

Modern hearing aids come with various features designed to help in different listening situations. The Oticon Intent, Resound Nexia, Starkey Genesis AI, and Phonak Infinio all offer advanced programs for different environments. Learn how to:

• Adjust volume levels
• Switch between programs
• Use directional microphones
• Connect to Bluetooth devices
• Manage streaming options

Maintain Regular Care and Cleaning

Proper maintenance ensures optimal performance:

• Clean your hearing aids daily
• Store them in a dry, safe place when not in use
• Change wax guards as recommended
• Keep fresh batteries on hand (for non-rechargeable models)
• Charge your devices nightly (for rechargeable models)

Common Adjustment Challenges

Sound Quality

Initially, sounds might seem:

• Tinny or metallic
• Too sharp or bright
• Overwhelmingly loud
• Echoey

These perceptions typically resolve within a few weeks as your brain adapts to processing sound through your hearing aids.

Own Voice

Your voice may sound:

• Too loud
• Hollow
• Like you're in a barrel
• Echoey

This effect, known as the occlusion effect, often improves as you adjust to wearing hearing aids. If it persists, your audiologist can make adjustments to help minimize this sensation.

Physical Comfort

Some users experience:

• Slight itching
• Mild discomfort
• Feeling of fullness
• Awareness of the device

These sensations usually diminish as you get used to wearing your hearing aids. If discomfort persists, we can adjust the fit or try different dome sizes.

What to Expect Week by Week

Week 1

Focus on wearing your hearing aids in quiet environments and getting used to basic sounds. Start with 4-6 hours per day and gradually increase wearing time.

Week 2

Increase exposure to different listening environments and begin practicing with more challenging situations like group conversations or watching TV.

Week 3-4

By now, you should be wearing your hearing aids all day and feeling more comfortable in various listening situations. You might start noticing improved speech understanding and less listening fatigue.

Beyond Month 1

Continue working with more challenging listening environments. Most users report feeling fully adjusted to their hearing aids within 3-4 months.

The Role of Follow-up Appointments

Follow-up appointments are essential for successful hearing aid adaptation. During these visits, we perform Real Ear Measurements to ensure your hearing aids are providing the right amount of amplification across all frequencies. We can also:

• Make programming adjustments based on your experiences
• Address any concerns or difficulties
• Provide additional tips for specific listening situations
• Check the fit and comfort of your devices
• Answer questions about features and maintenance

Supporting Your Success

Our audiologists understand the challenges of adjusting to hearing aids. Dr. Marni Novick's personal experience with hearing loss provides unique insight into the adaptation process. We're committed to working with you through the adjustment period to ensure you achieve the best possible outcomes with your hearing aids.

Schedule Your Follow-up Care

Your success with hearing aids depends on proper support during the adjustment period. If you're experiencing any challenges with your new hearing aids or have questions about the adjustment process, contact us at Silicon Valley Hearing. Our experienced team is ready to help you achieve the best possible hearing experience with your new devices.