Stay committed to the cause by knowing what to expect.
Hearing aids are invaluable to hearing impaired people, but first time users need time to adjust. To help you navigate the early stages of your hearing aid journey, we’ve outlined some of the things you can expect as you become accustomed to your new world of sound.
Adapt the volume to the situation
It is best to start off in an environment where you can control the volume. Sit at home with the television on, or have a conversation across a table, with no other noise in the background. Modern hearing aids automatically select an optimal level, when they are switched on, and rarely need further adjustment. You may find that you need to turn the volume of the television down, or ask people not to shout as previously you required more volume to hear. If you have a volume control on your hearing aid, you may need to turn it down if you are finding voices are too loud or are sounding distorted.
Learn to listen to yourself
At first
your own voice will sound louder and maybe deeper than you are used to. This is because it is being amplified by the hearing aids. To everyone else you will sound the same as you always have. Over time you should adjust to the sound of your own voice and hopefully you will concentrate more on what other people are saying, rather than on your own voice. By wearing your hearing aids for at least 4 hours per day, they will become a habit.
Wearing hearing aids, and being exposed to all of the sounds within your world, can initially be quite overwhelming. If you make a commitment to wear your hearing aids and have a positive attitude towards amplification, you are likely to be more successful. If you get tired, take a break from wearing your hearing aids for a few hours – but make sure you wear them a little bit each day.
We live in a noisy world
Your hearing aids will reintroduce you to many sounds you may have forgotten – and all of a sudden we bring those sounds back and you may not like how they sound. As you haven’t heard them for a long time, it is very possible that you have lost the ability to ignore these background sounds. We need to train your brain to get used to these sounds again – and the best way to do this is by wearing the hearing aids regularly.
Improve your relationships
Many users experience a positive impact on their relationships when they start using hearing aids. Immediate family also notice that when a relative starts using hearing aids, they become more independent, have improved confidence and seem to enjoy their conversations and relationships more than they did in the past.
Acclimatisation and adjustment are the key
Getting used to your hearing aids in the initial stages is the key to a successful hearing aid fitting. Once you have completed the adjustment period, you will be able to get the most benefit from your hearing aids. Many people give up, after only a week or so – but hearing aid use requires a long term commitment. Don’t be embarrassed about not wearing your aids – it is our job to help you get the most out of your hearing devices – so please tell us when you need help.
Getting the most out of your hearing aid
Even with hearing aids some people need specific help with the television, telephone or listening to music. Assistive Listening Devices (ALDs) are optional accessories that can vastly improve your listening experience. Used together with your hearing aids, they can help you to hear better in noise, watch television or talk on your mobile phone. Your local bloom™ hearing specialist can provide you with further information on all of these devices and help determine which device may be the most appropriate for you.