What to Expect After Getting Hearing Aids: An Adjustment Timeline
Congratulations on your new hearing aids! Taking this crucial step to managing hearing loss will help you get on track to living a more fulfilling and healthier life. It can take some time to adjust to new hearing devices. It’s important to be patient and to bring any concerns to your hearing specialist.
Below is a timeline of what you can expect during the adjustment period.
Week 1: Initial Fitting
When you first receive your hearing aids you will have an initial fitting appointment. The hearing aids will be programmed based on the results of your hearing test (audiogram). If this is your first time wearing hearing aids sounds may seem too loud, unnatural, or even overwhelming – this is all normal.
Week 2: Being Consistent
Your brain is beginning to adjust to new sound input. The birds chirping outside, the hum of the refrigerator, or your turn signal may be sounds you are starting to hear again that you haven’t noticed in some time.
Continue to wear your hearing aids during waking hours so your brain can keep adjusting to the sounds around you. Take notes of any problems you may be having such as distortion or any uncomfortableness to discuss with your hearing specialist.
Week 3: Adjustment Phase
Things should start sounding more natural. You may begin noticing less effort in listening, especially in conversations. It’s important to continue wearing your hearing aids all day as your brain keeps adjusting. Around this time your hearing specialist will have you come in for a follow-up appointment to make any tweaks in the programming if necessary.
Week 4: Increased Comfort
Around the fourth week to the second month of wearing your hearing aids background noise will become more manageable. You’ll also start to notice communicating in group settings is easier.
Months 3-6: Fully Adapted
Most people become fully adjusted to their hearing aids by this point. Your brain has relearned how to process sounds more clearly and efficiently. Around this timeframe you should consider having your hearing aids checked by scheduling regular maintenance.
Want to Talk to a Professional? Contact Us Today!
Adjusting to new hearing aids takes time and most importantly, patience. The hearing professionals at Audiology of Scottsdale are here to guide you through the adjustment process so you can get back to hearing your best again. If you need help with your hearing aids, contact us today! We offer comprehensive hearing aid services for the people of Rio Verde, Paradise Valley, and Fountain Hills.
We look forward to helping you experience better hearing.