Adjusting to Your First Hearing Aid

by Barbara Williams, M.A. Aud. (C), CCC-A

 

 

Hearing is a complex process! Sound enters the ear, is processed, and converted to an electrical signal. The electrical signal is sent up the nerves to the brain. Hearing loss can occur at any part of this process. People with the same “audiogram” (graph of hearing) may act as though they have completely different hearing losses because their loss occurs at a different step of the process. In other words, each hearing loss is unique. This affects the fitting of a hearing aid.

 

Some things to remember when you get your first hearing aid:

 

  1. Hearing aids do not restore your hearing to normal. The hearing aid delivers louder sound to your ear. Your ear must still convert the sound to electrical impulses which are sent to your brain. Your brain then has to use this information. Don’t be frustrated by words that are not clear to you. As your brain adjusts to the new information, your ability to hear and understand speech should improve.
  2. Your own voice may sound odd when you first put on the hearing aid. The audiologist can adjust the hearing aid to make your voice sound more natural.
  3. You may feel the hearing aid in your ear. Usually this sensation disappears over time.
  4. If your hearing loss developed over time you have likely become accustomed to the lack of sound and the use of a hearing aid may be a shocking experience. Sound can be confusing. Identifying individual sounds may be difficult. Some unwanted sound may seem excessively loud. With time your ability to use the new sound will improve.
  5. Learning how to use a hearing aid takes time and patience. Don’t try to rush it. Each person needs to proceed at his or her own pace. Do not compare yourself to others. Remember, each person and his or her hearing loss is unique.
  6. Many people become nervous or tired when they first try a hearing aid. It is okay to turn the hearing aid off and rest awhile. It is better to adjust to the hearing aid slowly. Start wearing your hearing aid when conversing with only one person at a time. As you feel more comfortable you can start wearing it in groups.
  7. Hearing loss is a family affair. Take time to familiarize your family with your new hearing aid. Families are encouraged to participate in the fitting sessions since that improves their understanding.
  8. Good communication strategies continue to be important, even after you get your hearing aid. Encourage one person to speak at a time when in group conversations. Don’t be afraid to ask people to speak slower and enunciate clearly. Watch the speaker’s face to get visual information about speech. And finally, if a room is too noisy, move to a quieter location. Your introduction to a new hearing aid will be more successful if you recognize that the fitting takes time, and each new wearer proceeds at a different pace. The bottom line though, is that the purpose of a hearing aid is to allow you to participate more fully in those activities important to your life. Don't hesitate to discuss any concerns you have with your Audiologist, during both the initial and follow-up sessions.

 

Jencam