How Can I Make My Hearing Aids More Comfortable?

Experiencing hearing loss is going to be a new adjustment, especially if you opt to have hearing aids. It may feel strange at first, but that is simply because you are getting used to something new in your ear. This may take a few days, or even a few weeks to adjust to, everyone is different.

Not only do you need to get used to the feeling in your ear, but also adjust to the new sounds in your environment. Wearing them on a daily basis will ensure you speed up this process. There are also plenty of other steps that you can take to make your hearing aids more comfortable. Here are some examples to help you get started.

Get them Fitted by An Audiologist

The most important way you can ensure your hearing aids are more comfortable is by getting them fitted by an audiologist. An audiologist will conduct a series of tests and assessments, to ensure the correct type, size and structure hearing aid is fitted properly. There are different types of hearing aids that you can choose from, such as in-the-ear (ITE), behind-the-ear (BTE) and in-the-canal (ITC) hearing aids.

It is important to seek advice and find the one that will best support you, your lifestyle, your level of hearing loss and be the most comfortable. Hearing aids should not be painful, only uncomfortable in the beginning. If you are experiencing pain, then it is best to speak to your audiologist to get them adjusted.

Learn the Basics

Once you have had your hearing aid fitted properly, your audiologist will talk you through the basics of hearing aids. Make sure you make a note of these instructions, as they will help increase the comfort and experience of hearing aids. The basics will include how to use it properly, how to turn it on and off and adjust the volume, how to insert it into your ear, how to take it out, how to clean it and how to change the batteries.

You should also find out who you need to contact if you have any issues with your hearing aid and make sure you schedule follow-up visits where your progress and comfort levels can be assessed professionally. This will ensure any adjustments can be made, and your device can be fine-tuned. You can also double-check with the audiologist that the noises you can hear, especially if there are a lot of background noises, are normal.

Take It Slow

You don’t have to wear your hearing aids all day, every day. However, wearing them for a period that is comfortable every day will certainly help you adapt and get more comfortable wearing them. Try to start with a small period every day, and gradually increase the time you wear them each day. Start with a couple of hours, then a few, then half a day, until you reach a full day. Soon enough you won’t even notice they are in!

To increase your comfort levels while wearing hearing aids, it might be a good idea to only wear them at home and around loved ones first. This will help you gradually get used to the noises and the new volume in your environment, as your house will be much quieter than a busy road or a town center. If you tell your loved ones, they will be able to support you as you learn new ways and help you stay committed to wearing your hearing aids.

Practice

As they say, practice makes perfect. The more you practice using your hearing aids in different situations, the more you will feel comfortable with them. It may take a while to get used to how things sound, the volume of noises around you and even the way you speak. It will all feel and sound different at first, especially if you have not used hearing aids before or have been experiencing hearing loss for a long time before getting one fitted.

Sounds can seem louder, or more obvious than you are used to. It is important to stay patient with yourself and keep practicing in different environments. See if you can regularly invite a friend over who can challenge you and have a conversation with you so you can practice and adjust accordingly.

Speaking to an audiologist is the best place to get started with hearing aids, and for support on how you can make them more comfortable. To learn more about Baker Audiology & Hearing Aids, call us today at (605) 610-3466.