Expectations from a Hearing Aid Instrument for first time users

Expect lot of new sounds

In due course of hearing loss, many people don't hear (or hear very less) everyday sounds like traffic noise, noises in the house (like fan, utensils, noises coming out of the window) etc. The moment they put on Hearing Aids, suddenly all the noises begin to appear. At first, they might think it's the hearing aid noise. But it is the environment noises that the users have first get used to. It may take days or even months for the brain to accept and get used new level of sounds. Once, the brain learns to ignore these sounds then users can expect better hearing. Patience, persistence, constant use and willingness of the user to enjoy/experience new sound are the key to getting used to the hearing aid.

Expect unnatural sound quality

Many users are under the impression that the moment they put on the hearing aids, things would be back to normal what they once were. Unfortunately, not even the best of hearing aids can reproduce natural ear like sound quality. Hence, users might feel their own voice sounding different than before. The physical presence of ear mould or sound outlet inside the ear itself creates a new sound altogether. The sound of chewing food, etc may too sound loud at first.

Tips for first time hearing aid users

• Start by wearing the instruments at home for two weeks. Start by wearing them for 4 hours per day, say two hours in the morning, one in the mid day and one hour at night. If you are having binaural (for both ears) hearing aids, then wear them together
• Notice the sounds that you haven't heard for long time. Like sound of the fan,
• roadside noise, utensils, mixer, grinder, sound of water flowing, etc.
• Do NOT try to understand hard at what people talk to you. You MAY NOT hear everything in the initial few weeks. Relax and let the body and brain get used to the sounds.
• Ask people to talk one at a time.
• Ask people to catch your attention, for example, by tapping on your shoulder before they speak to you.
• Ask people to talk slowly and clearly instead of raising their voices.
• Ask people to avoid smoking or eating while talking.
• Keep good eye contact with the speaker, or make sure that you can at least see their face well.
• Move closer when listening to someone at a distance.
• Look for keywords - understanding becomes easier when you know the topic.
• Be early for meetings so you can pick an optimal listening position.
• Prepare yourself for plays, performances, meetings or the like by looking into the story or the topic before you go.
• Give people occasional feedback to reassure them that you are following what is being said.