5 Top Tips for Adjusting to New Hearing Aids

Whether you’re a first-time user or upgrading to new devices, getting new hearing aids can be an exciting process. From enhanced performance to advanced features, your new hearing aids could drastically improve your quality of life. 

However, it can take a little while to get used to new hearing devices, even if you’ve been wearing hearing aids for some time. Your audiologist will be on hand to provide any assistance or guidance you need, but there are some techniques you can use to optimize your experience. With this in mind, take a look at these top tips for adjusting to new hearing aids.

1. Use new devices in familiar environments

When you first start using new hearing aids, it can be helpful to wear them in familiar environments, such as at home. By choosing relatively quiet surroundings, you can adapt to any changes between your old and new devices in your own time. 

2. Talk aloud

For many people, the most startling change when wearing new hearing aids is the sound of their own voice! For this reason, try and talk aloud as much as possible when you start wearing new hearing devices. Whether you’re talking to friends and family, a pet, or even yourself, this will help you to adjust to the new hearing aids more quickly. 

3. Book follow-up appointments

When you pick up your new hearing aids, your audiologist will ensure they fit well and program them to the right settings. However, it’s not unusual for further adjustments to be required. By attending follow-up appointments, you can ensure that your audiologist is able to tweak the performance of your hearing aids to deliver optimal comfort and functionality. As a result, you’ll find it much easier to get used to wearing new hearing devices. 

4. Build up gradually

Even if you’re used to wearing hearing aids, it can be useful to use new hearing devices for just a few hours at a time. If your new hearing aids are significantly different from your old ones, the transition can feel a little discombobulating. 

Similarly, if you’re wearing hearing aids for the first time, your enhanced hearing function can seem too good to be true! By wearing your hearing aids for a few hours on the first day and then gradually increasing the amount of time you spend using them, you can adjust to them naturally. 

5. Embrace new features

Modern hearing aids are packed full of features, so don’t be afraid to use them! Your audiologist will be happy to teach you how to use your hearing devices, and you’ll also find that there’s plenty of support available from the manufacturer. When you familiarize yourself with all the features on your devices, you’ll be able to customize your experience and feel more confident when you’re wearing new hearing aids. 

Choosing the right hearing aids

It’s easier to get used to new hearing aids when you’ve chosen devices that are suited to your needs and your lifestyle. To ensure you make the best choice, spend time researching the various styles and features available and seek advice from your audiologist.