Learning To Hear: How To Handle Life With Hearing Aids

Getting hearing aids can help you regain some of your independence and confidence. You'll be able to keep up with conversations without awkwardly pretending that you hear what is being said, and you'll get to experience new sounds that are music to your ears. You may find, however, that there are some things that make adjusting to life with hearing aids more difficult. Here are a few ways to cope with these hearing challenges.

People Expect You To Hear Everything

Hearing aids improve your ability to hear better, but they don't give you perfect hearing. When people learn that you have hearing aids, they might expect you to hear as well as they do. Despite what they might think, you won't be able to hear everything. You might even have people to tell you to turn your hearing aids up, which won't actually help you to hear everything. While some hearing aids have the ability to filter out some ambient noise, they will still amplify everything you hear. Be honest and upfront with people, and don't be afraid to tell them that you are still having difficulties hearing quiet conversations or soft noises.

Adjusting To Hearing Aids Takes Time

Whether you've never had good hearing or you haven't been able to hear well for years, adjusting to your new hearing aids will take some time. Ambient noises, such as the whir of a fan or the ticking of a clock, may be completely new to you. It's completely normal to experience some sensory overload as you learn to focus on the sounds you want to hear and filter out those that aren't important. You may find that you need to take a break from your hearing aids. Wear your hearing aids for as long as is comfortable each day, and focus on wearing them a little longer as you become accustomed to how they amplify sound.

Seek The Help Of A Counselor

Hearing aid counseling can provide you with numerous coping mechanisms to help adjust to life with hearing aids. Your audiologist may be able to help you with your transition to the hearing world or provide you with a referral to a counselor who specializes in helping deaf and hearing impaired people cope with everyday life. Getting hearing aids for the first time is a huge change in your life. Don't be afraid to ask for help if you are having difficulty adjusting.

With time, you'll grow more accustomed to your hearing aids, and you may even wonder how you got along without them. Be patient and take some time to adjust to this new phase in your life.