Getting hearing aids for the first time should be an exciting time for you. It signifies the last time you’ll have to struggle to hear your loved ones or disagree about the TV volume. It may also help you with your career and getting that promotion that you have always wanted.
Everyone’s reason for getting hearing aids may be different, but one thing everyone has in common is that there will be an adjustment period.
Prescription hearing aids are sophisticated pieces of technology. They have gone through thousands of hours of testing to ensure they provide the maximum assistance.
Unfortunately, during the first few weeks of wearing hearing aids, there can be an adjustment period where many patients question whether their hearing aids are right for them.
During this adjustment period, it’s important to note that we are your trusted hearing healthcare partners that are there for you every step of the way.
While over-the-counter products may seem attractive at first, we see many patients abandon them due to a lack of aftercare and ongoing support.
Our duty is to you. We maintain our promise of care throughout your hearing journey, and that is why we are the most trusted hearing professionals of the Upstate area.
How Long Is The Adjustment Period?
Some people may not experience an adjustment period. Although this is rare, it does happen but mostly with patients who have a mild hearing loss.
The average adjustment period is 2-3 weeks. This allows your brain time to get comfortable processing all the new sounds it’s hearing. The longer you have dealt with hearing loss, the longer your adjustment period may take.
If you’re having trouble getting the correct settings or the right fit, then it can take a bit longer. Some patients take up to 16 weeks until they get everything in order.
Sixteen weeks may sound like a long time, but it’s well worth it in the long run. Those who have had bad experiences with OTCs can attest that no number of weeks is enough time when you are dealing with an inferior product with a lack of professional support.
Common Experiences With First-Time Hearing Aid Wearers
While we work with you to optimize your hearing aids, there may be some hiccups along the way. This is normal and will give us further information about how you hear and how to improve it.
Whistling Feedback With Hearing Aids
We place a lot of focus on getting your hearing aids to fit you properly. This is a hurdle each patient must overcome because inserting your hearing aid the right way every time affects how it functions.
If your hearing aid is not correctly inserted, then sound from the speaker could make it back to the microphone. When this happens, it creates feedback that is very uncomfortable.
Due to the size and strength of prescription hearing aids, this feedback sounds like a whistling noise.
Feedback should never occur if your hearing aids are correctly inserted, so please get in touch with us if you require support fitting your devices.
Getting Used To How ‘Loud’ Everything Is
When you first get hearing aids, your brain will be reintroduced to sounds it hasn’t heard in a while. It will need some time to recognize those sounds and then prioritize which ones to bring to your attention.
Things like a ticking clock or the humming of your refrigerator can sound extra loud at first. This is just your brain learning which sounds are important and which ones it can ignore.
Many patients report having headaches or becoming fatigued during the first few weeks of wearing them. This is common, as your brain is again working overtime to process all the “new” sounds it’s hearing.
If this problem persists after four weeks or so, then it may be a problem with your settings, and you should bring them in for a tune-up.
Discomfort And Mild Itchiness
This is the most common reaction we get regarding new hearing aids. It’s completely understandable since you are not used to having something in your ear for the entire day.
This is nothing to worry about. Similar to a new pair of glasses, your hearing aids feel uncomfortable because it’s a new sensation. That feeling will pass within the estimated 2-3 weeks of adjustment time.
Like volume and feedback issues, if this problem persists, then please bring them to us, and we can find a solution.
Struggling To Adjust To Your New Devices?
By teaming up with a local audiologist, you always have support on your side. If something is bothering you or not feeling quite right, then contact us, and we will be happy to help.
Even if you didn’t get your hearing aids from us, we want every resident of Greenville to have the healthiest hearing possible.
Call us now with any questions you have or to arrange a cleaning appointment. Your hearing is worth it.