You might have a lot of mixed feelings about getting hearing aids for the first time. On one hand, there can be some shame and embarrassment. It’s not always easy to accept hearing loss. But on the other hand, hearing aids can give you a sense of freedom and getting your life back. Finding the right pair of hearing aids for your needs can make a big difference to your quality of life. When you can hear more of the world around you, you don’t have to miss out on anything. Not to mention that wearing hearing aids could help to keep you safe too.
It can take some time to get used to wearing hearing aids. But if you follow these steps and give yourself some time, you can soon feel their benefit.
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Get Help Choosing the Right Devices
The first thing you need to do is choose the right hearing aids. If you’re seeing an audiologist, hearing aid dispenser or someone similar, they should help you with this. They can make recommendations based on your level of hearing loss, as well as your lifestyle. Some people might want hearing aids that are as small and discreet as possible. Others might want something with lots of additional features, or perhaps will want to keep it simple. When you choose your hearing aids, you’ll have a fitting to ensure they’re comfortable and working properly.
Learn How to Care for Your Hearing Aids
You need to care for your hearing aids, especially as they’re something of an investment. They are built to be fairly robust, but they can still be damaged or lost if you’re not careful with them. You can learn how to extend hearing aid life so that your hearing aids will last as long as possible. You might need to know how to change the batteries or keep your hearing aids charged. Cleaning your hearing aids regularly will help to protect them too, and so will knowing how to store them safely when you’re not wearing them.
Learn How to Use Your Hearing Aids
You also need to know how your hearing aids work. While you don’t necessarily have to understand the ins and outs of the technology they use, you should be familiar with the different features. This ranges from basics such as how to turn them on and off to things like changing programs or connecting to Bluetooth devices. Do your hearing aids have T-coils, and how do you use them? Do they have a mobile app that allows you to control the settings? Your hearing aid dispenser can show you how to use them.
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Take Time to Adjust
It takes time to learn how to use your hearing aids and get used to them. You won’t necessarily get their full benefit straight away, although you should start to notice how they can help you. It’s usually recommended that you wear them for short periods to start with. This will give you time to get used to them and adjust to how they feel. Trying to wear them full-time from the beginning can be tiring and frustrating, so it’s best to build up to it. Try out your hearing aids in different settings and situations to experience them in different ways.
Attend Follow-Up Appointments
Follow-up appointments are important when you get hearing aids for the first time. They allow you to check in with your audiologist or hearing specialist and make sure your hearing aids are working for you. They can also present a chance to make any adjustments to your hearing aids and their settings. If they’re not feeling physically comfortable or you have any questions about how they work, it’s the perfect time to get answers or solve any problems.
Communicate with Other People
Wearing hearing aids is a big adjustment for you, which is why it can be very important to talk to other people about it. Sharing what it’s like for you and what you need them to do to help you is a must. You need to communicate your needs and ask them to make some changes to communicate with you. This might mean asking them to speak clearly and look at you while they’re talking. It might also be helpful if they make sure they get your attention before talking or be aware if there is a lot of background noise.
Adjusting to your first hearing aids can be tricky, but they can soon start to provide lots of benefits in different areas of your life.
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