Did you know that there is a hearing aid adjustment period? The amount of time that this can take can vary from person to person, but everyone undergoes a period of adjustment when they first start wearing hearing aids. Even though every individual goes through a slightly different process, reading this guide can help prepare you by teaching you what to expect before you start wearing your hearing aids and looking forward down the road.
Getting used to your hearing aids starts before you make a purchase, as the early steps you take can significantly impact the outcome. If you want to make the hearing aid adjustment period smoother, check out these helpful tips to help you get used to your new hearing aids.
• If you decide to shop around before you buy hearing aids, know that there isn’t one type of hearing aid recommended for everyone. You need to find the one that will work with your particular needs. If this isn’t done correctly, then there’s a chance that your investment may not work out for you. Since hearing aids are a significant investment, undergo a thorough ASSESSMENT OF YOUR HEARING AND HEALTH WITH A HEARING HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL.
• In many cases, two hearing aids are necessary, especially if you have hearing loss in both ears. While you might want to cut costs and only purchase one, you will not likely experience optimal results. Your hearing is binaural and requires the use of both ears to hear, so if you are looking to be satisfied with your investment, make sure you purchase two hearing aids so you can receive input from both ears.
• Since many professionals will work with you until a suitable solution is found, it is not uncommon to be offered a money-back guarantee trial period. During this trial period, you can take your device for a “test drive” to see firsthand if that particular device benefits you in the form of improved hearing. While your hearing probably will not be ‘perfect’ during this trial period, they should provide some benefit. But if the hearing aids don’t offer any improvement in hearing, then it’s possible that the particular device is not correct for you.
• When you first start wearing aids, do not expect your hearing will return to normal immediately. There is always an adjustment period, and in some cases, it can take 5-7 years since your brain has to train itself. Especially if you have not been able to hear particular sounds for quite some time, so do not expect the process to be instantaneous and for your hearing aid to be a “cure-all.” Also, expect to return to your doctor for adjustments (even past the beginning stages) since modern hearing aids can be fine-tuned to help ensure you hear your best. Keep in mind, this goes for performance and comfort since your hearing aids should be comfortable. If they aren’t, see your hearing care professional for an adjustment.
• While your hearing aids are best kept in your ear (within reason, of course), in the beginning, it is best to slowly work up to wearing your hearing aids for extended periods. At first, your hearing aids may not feel right in the ear, and your brain may need some time to retrain itself, so start by wearing them for an hour or two daily and then work up from there. Every day, increase the number of hours you are wearing your device until you can wear your hearing aids for the whole day.
• As previously mentioned, your brain needs time to retrain itself, which can take years, so be patient and kind to yourself during this process. However, if you want to help speed along the process, practice every day to help retrain your brain. You can help your brain rewire itself by using captions while watching television, listening to audiobooks, reading aloud, talking to others (in person and on the phone), speaking in groups of people, and practicing listening exercises.
Frequently Asked Questions
The hearing aid adjustment period is the time it takes for a person to get used to wearing and hearing properly with their new hearing aids. This period varies by individual and can last weeks or even years as the brain retrains itself to interpret sounds once again. Patience and gradual wearing are essential during this phase to achieve optimal results.
A comprehensive assessment by a hearing healthcare professional ensures that the hearing aids chosen are tailored to your specific hearing loss and health needs. This step helps prevent purchasing an unsuitable device, maximizing the likelihood of satisfaction and effectiveness with your investment in hearing aids.
If you have hearing loss in both ears, it is generally recommended to purchase two hearing aids. This is because hearing is binaural, meaning both ears work together to help you localize sound and understand speech better. Using one hearing aid may limit these benefits and reduce overall hearing satisfaction.
The adjustment period can vary significantly, sometimes taking 5-7 years for the brain to fully retrain itself to interpret sounds with hearing aids. This extended timeframe is especially true if certain sounds haven’t been heard for a long time. Continuous practice and use of the devices help facilitate this process.
During the trial period, often backed by a money-back guarantee, you can test your hearing aids to determine if they improve your hearing. While hearing may not be perfect initially, some benefits should be noticeable. If significant improvement is not experienced, the device might not be the right fit for you.
Begin by wearing your hearing aids for short periods, such as one or two hours daily, then gradually increase the duration each day as your comfort improves. This slow progression helps both your ears and brain adapt without overwhelming your auditory system or causing discomfort.
Engaging in listening exercises and activities like watching TV with captions, listening to audiobooks, reading aloud, conversing with others both in person and on the phone, and speaking in groups can help retrain your brain. These practices encourage auditory processing and promote faster adaptation to hearing aids.
