Getting used to new hearing aids can take some time and adjustment. The sudden increase in auditory simulation after living with hearing loss can be overwhelming for the brain to process.
However, there are several things you can do to help your brain and ears adapt to your new hearing aids more quickly and comfortably.
Stay Patient
It’s essential to have realistic expectations when transitioning to hearing aids. Your brain needs time to get accustomed to processing more sound input, so immediate comfort and clarity is rare. Expect an adjustment period of at least a few weeks to a few months.
Over time, as your brain learns to interpret the new sounds, speech should become clearer and listening effort should reduce.
Be patient with yourself as your brain trains itself to make sense of all the new auditory information. Your hearing aid audiologist can provide advice during this time.
Start Slowly
When you first get new hearing aids, start by wearing them for short periods around the house before venturing into noisier environments.
Wear them while reading, watching TV or pottering around the house. Keep the volume down at first to let your brain ease into all the new sounds. Slowly increase wearing time and volume every few days as comfort permits.
There’s no set timeframe – go at your own pace. Increasing amplification gradually gives your brain a chance to adapt without feeling overwhelmed.
Practice Active Listening
In the initial adjustment phase, it helps to actively focus when listening rather than having conversations, music or TV noise constantly running in the background.
Sit facing the speaker, limit distractions and consciously pay attention. Remind friends and family to get your attention before speaking and to speak clearly at a moderate pace.
The more intentionally you listen, the quicker your brain will learn to process the incoming sounds from your new hearing aids.
Keep a Listening Diary
Keep track of your listening experiences in a journal or diary app. Note which environments are most challenging, when listening fatigue sets in and any issues you experience with your hearing aids.
Write down listening improvements and experiences, troubleshoot issues and see your progress over time. It also provides valuable feedback for your audiologist to tweak your hearing aid programming.
Sleep Without Hearing Aids
While you’ll want to wear your hearing aids as much of your waking hours as comfortably possible, provide your ears and brain without a break overnight while sleeping.
Noise stimulation continues even when the volume is turned down. Giving your auditory system several hours rest every night allows the brain some time off from processing, so it’s refreshed the next morning. Just be sure to store them properly overnight to maximise their battery life.
Transitioning to hearing aids presents the auditory system with significant new stimulation. Be patient with yourself and your loved ones – it takes time for the brain to adapt.
Employ strategies like wearing aids gradually, focusing intently on listening, keeping a diary and sleeping without aids. Before long, with consistent daily use, your brain will adjust to process amplified sound more naturally.
