With an aging population, hearing loss has been on the rise in recent years. Fortunately, technological leaps in the field of hearing aids mean that these medical devices now offer state-of-the-art solutions for those experiencing hearing loss.
That said, there is a bit of an adjustment that first-time hearing aid users need to undergo.
Read on for a few tips for first-time hearing aids users.
Don’t panic at loud noises
Ordinary sounds that others don’t even notice can be loud for you like the ticking of the clock, operation of the refrigerator, street sounds, or the sound of water in pipes. Don’t worry as very soon you will adapt to these background sounds.
Increase wear time gradually
The wear time of your hearing aids doesn’t have to be all day immediately when you get them. To avoid being overwhelmed, start small and increase the usage time gradually. This allows your brain to get acquainted.
Recognize the source
Identify the common sounds from home appliances, gadget notifications, alarm clocks, and your phone to help your brain categorize them.
Take care of hearing aids
Hearing aids are indispensable in everyday life and require proper care and cleaning as a dirty device may not function properly.
Start by using your device at home
Before heading out, start using your device in a quiet and relaxing environment like your home. With time you can start using them in busier places such as cafes, restaurants, parks, etc.
Contact friends and relatives
Positive emotions associated with connecting with those close to us can help with the difficulties faced in getting used to hearing aids.
Combine listening and reading
Try to combine reading and listening by watching TV with subtitles. This can further help your brain adapt to your device.
Explore additional features
New hearing aids also have additional features like a wireless connection option which can connect the smartphone directly to your hearing aid. Explore all features so you can get used to changing the device settings based on the environment and your requirements.
Don’t keep changing the volume
Your hearing aid doesn’t need to have its volume adjusted as your audiologist would have set up the same based on the extent of your hearing loss.
