The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders reports, “About 28.8 million U.S. adults could benefit from using hearing aids.” But despite this high number, only about one in five people who could benefit from hearing aids actually wears them, according to the Hearing Loss Association of America.
If you’re ready to make the investment in hearing aids or you already have, below we review what to know, what to expect and how to get the most out of them.
You’ll Have Several Visits with Your Audiologist
Unfortunately, it’s rarely as easy as getting fit with your hearing aids during your initial visit and finding sounds come through perfectly. Instead, you should plan to have several visits with your audiologist. This is because when you first had your hearing tested, you were in a soundproof booth, but listening situations are more complex in the real world. You’ll likely find that you need the programming to be tweaked a few times until you can hear well with ease in complex environments like Athenic Brewing Company during AthFest.
Wear Both of Them
If you’ve been fit with two hearing aids, it’s important that when you’re wearing them, you put both in. This is because they’ve been calibrated to be worn together, and wearing both can help you localize sounds better.
Start with a Short Amount of Time
If it took you a while to treat your hearing loss, your brain will need time to re-learn how to processes all the new sounds you’re hearing with hearing aids. During this adjustment period, we recommend wearing your hearing aids for just an hour or two a day at first and slowly working up to wearing them during all waking hours. This way you won’t be overwhelmed or want to give up on your new hearing aids.
You May Need to Adjust to the Sound of Your Own Voice
Many people find that they don’t enjoy hearing the sound of their own voice when they first start wearing hearing aids. This is because they’re used to hearing their voice through bone conduction, which makes it sound deeper and richer than it actually is. With hearing aids, you hear it mostly through air conduction. Fortunately, after a few weeks your voice should sound normal to you again.
For more information about the hearing aid adjustment period or to schedule an appointment, call ENT of Athens today.