If you are a new hearing aid wearer or if you are considering getting hearing aids, you might be wondering how long it takes to adjust to new hearing aids. At first, it might seem like there would be no adjustment period. However, for most people, there is a noticeable adjustment period of at least a couple of weeks.
Why is there an adjustment period?
Think of it this way: it takes an average of approximately ten years after being diagnosed with hearing loss before people get hearing aids. If you were in a room for five to ten years and the lights were slowly dimmed over the years, it would be an unpleasant and uncomfortable shock for the lights to be turned back up to the brightest setting in an instant.
It’s similar with your hearing. During the time when your hearing loss is untreated, your brain becomes used to not hearing as much speech and environmental noises. Wearing hearing aids and hearing everything all at once again can be uncomfortable at first. This is especially true because hearing with hearing aids is not exactly the same as normal hearing. Some things will sound different than they used to, and you will be hearing noises you haven’t heard in perhaps years.
How long does it take to adjust to new hearing aids?
The time it takes to adjust to new hearing aids can vary depending on a number of factors, including the severity of your hearing loss, how long you’ve had the hearing loss, the type of hearing aids you’re using, and your individual physiology and sensitivity.
Typically, it can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks to fully adjust to new hearing aids. During this time, you may experience some discomfort or adjustment issues such as:
- The sound of your own voice may sound different or louder than normal.
- You may hear background noise more prominently.
- Certain environmental sounds, such as rustling papers or the clinking of silverware, may be more noticeable.
- You may experience feedback or whistling sounds from the hearing aids.
It’s important to work closely with your hearing professional during this time to ensure your hearing aids are properly programmed and adjusted to meet your needs. They can also provide tips and techniques for adjusting to your new hearing aids and offer support and guidance throughout the process.
How to adjust to new hearing aids
Adjusting to new hearing aids can take some time and effort, but there are a number of things you can do to make the process easier:
- Wear your hearing aids consistently: Make sure to wear your hearing aids every day for as long as possible. Consistent use will help your brain adapt to the new sounds.
- Start in a quiet environment: Begin by wearing your hearing aids in a quiet, familiar environment such as your home, and gradually move to more challenging environments such as restaurants or social gatherings.
- Communicate with others: Let your family and friends know that you’re adjusting to new hearing aids, and ask them to speak clearly and face you when they’re talking.
- Keep a journal: Keep a journal of your experiences and any issues you encounter with your hearing aids.
This can help you and your hearing professional identify any adjustments that may need to be made. - Attend follow-up appointments: It’s important to attend all follow-up appointments with your hearing healthcare professional to ensure your hearing aids are properly adjusted and working effectively for your needs. Don’t hesitate to ask questions or voice any concerns you may have.
For more information about adjusting to new hearing aids, we invite you to contact our hearing practice today.