What to Expect When Wearing a Hearing Aid for the First Time?

Getting a hearing aid for the first time can bring about both positive and challenging experiences at the same time. For instance, as you start using your hearing aids every day, it could often bring about frustration and discomfort as you adapt to new sensations and sounds. However, it’s important to know that this is normal and that the benefits of clearer hearing and improved quality of life can far outweigh the initial difficulties. As such, knowing what to expect and being prepared for the adjustment process can make embracing this change easier and allow you to fully enjoy the advantages of wearing your first hearing aid.

This article will guide you through the journey of being a first-time hearing aid user and provide tips on how to adjust to the device while appreciating the many benefits hearing aids can bring.

1. Start Small: Ease into Your New Hearing World

Once you’re starting to wear your hearing aids for the first time, it’s important to take things slowly. Start by wearing them for a few hours daily, then gradually increase the frequency as you get used to them. This gradual approach can help your brain adjust to new sounds and prevent you from feeling overwhelmed or overstimulated.

Additionally, as a first-time user, it might be helpful to start wearing your hearing aid in quieter environments with minimal background noise. This will let you focus on familiar sounds, such as voices or household noises, before tackling noisier settings. This staged exposure can help make the adaptation process more manageable.

2. Get Acquainted: Read the Owner’s Manual

A hearing aid user guide is an important resource for anyone new to hearing aids. It usually provides essential information on how to operate, maintain, and troubleshoot your devices. The guide may also explain features such as automatic volume adjustment or connectivity options that you may find helpful as you get used to your first hearing aid device.

If you encounter challenges not covered in the manual, don’t hesitate to contact a hearing care professional or audiologist for assistance. They can provide guidance on fine-tuning your hearing aid and making sure your device is working correctly.

3. Prioritise Ear Health: Maintain Clean and Dry Ears

For first-time hearing aid users, it’s important to remember that your ears should be clean and dry before putting in your hearing device to ensure comfort and optimal hearing. Therefore, if you want to wear your hearing aid after showering or swimming, it’s best to wait until your ears are completely dry.

The increase in earwax production is another common issue for those using hearing aids. If you find this to be a problem, it’s best to consult your doctor l for safe removal, especially if the natural self-cleaning process of the ear is hindered. Avoid cleaning your ears using cotton swabs or any objects that you might insert into your ears, as these can push earwax further into the canal, potentially leading to blockages.

4. Enlist Support: Family and Friends Can Help

Getting used to your hearing aids for the first time doesn’t have to be a solo journey. You can let your family and friends help you adjust to your new device. For instance, they can help you practise conversations in familiar, low-pressure settings, which may also help retrain your brain to recognise words, nonverbal cues, and various sounds. Another simple exercise you can do is adjust the television volume to a level comfortable for everyone in the room, which could help you refine your listening skills.

Involving family members in your journey as a first-time hearing aid user will provide them with valuable insights into the challenges of hearing loss, making the adjustment process smoother and easier for you.

5. Pair Reading and Listening: Reclaim Your Voice

Hearing loss can sometimes cause individuals to speak louder than needed. By wearing a hearing aid, you can learn how to manage your voice volume better, especially if you are a first-time user, as these devices allow users to hear their own voice more clearly.

You can also try reading aloud, listening to audiobooks, or using auditory rehabilitation apps. Engaging in these activities could help you adjust to your first hearing aids and help you regain control of your voice over time.

Another exercise you can do is to practise a conversation or speech in front of a mirror. This exercise will allow you to focus on your articulation and intonation, which may have been impacted by hearing loss. This simple exercise not only helps refine your speech but also enhances your ability to perceive sounds and improves your voice projection.

6. Track Progress & Celebrate Wins: Keep a Hearing Journal

Documenting your journey as a first-time hearing aid user can be both motivating and insightful. A hearing journal allows you to track your progress, identify areas for improvement, and celebrate milestones—no matter how small.

For instance, you might write down the first time you heard the ticking of a clock or followed an entire conversation in a noisy environment. These seemingly small moments can be powerful reminders of how far you’ve come and serve as encouragement during the adjustment process to your hearing aid.

Furthermore, a journal can also serve as a useful tool when communicating with your audiologist or hearing care professional. This is because your journal will provide a record of your own experiences, which can help professionals make necessary adjustments or offer guidance that caters to your specific needs.

7. Resist the Urge: Don’t Over-Adjust the Volume

As a first-time user, it may be tempting to constantly change the volume on your hearing aids. However, this could interfere with your brain’s natural adaptation process, as your brain may need time to adjust to the sounds and learn how to process them effectively.

Nowadays, many hearing aids come equipped with automatic adjustment features, which are designed to optimise sound levels without the need for constant manual changes. If you choose one of these devices, trusting these features might allow your hearing aids to do the work for you. Over time, this hands-off approach can make the process of getting used to wearing a hearing aid smoother and less overwhelming, allowing you to focus on rediscovering the joys of sound.

Seek Professional Support: Partner with a Hearing Specialist

If you’re wondering how long it takes to get used to wearing a hearing aid, the answer may vary. In the end, the adaptation period may depend on factors like the severity of hearing loss, the type of hearing aids, and how consistently they’re used.

To help you get through your first time wearing a hearing aid, it’s recommended that you seek support from a professional so it can feel less challenging. By consulting with an audiologist or hearing care professional in Singapore, you will receive guidance on the proper fitting, adjustments, and hearing aid fine-tuning to ensure your device works optimally. Furthermore, regular follow-ups can further allow for refinements by addressing any discomfort or challenges that may arise over time.