Adjusting to New Hearing Aids

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Dr. Marcus Kolmetz

Dr. Marcus Kolmetz was born and raised in Bay County. He graduated from Auburn University in 1997 with a Bachelor’s degree in Communication Disorders. He then completed his Masters degree in Audiology from the University of Tennessee in 2000 and his Doctor of Audiology from A.T. Still University in 2007. Dr. Kolmetz returned to Panama City in 2001 as a staff audiologist with Audiology Consultants, then Audiologic Consultants. He is a member of American Speech and Hearing Association, Fellow of the American Academy of Audiology and Board Certified Audiologist.

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The day has finally come when you can use your new hearing aids. Not everyone who gets hearing aids welcomes this shift to high-definition surround sound! When you insert your hearing aids for the first time, it is quite possible that you will become overwhelmed and even have the urge to take them back out. 

Rather than having an unsettling first experience with your hearing aids, why not follow a few simple steps to begin on the path to ever-greater ease, comfort, and benefit from these powerful devices?

Proper preparation

Rather than getting your aids and putting them in wherever you find yourself, take a moment to plan out the right way to get accustomed to hearing aids. Having a professional with you when you try them out will offer a wealth of advice, knowledge, and the shared experience of others who have similarly used hearing aids for the first time. Our team is here to guide you through the process. 

Yet, don’t stop there with your careful planning. The first time you use your hearing aids in each unique environment can offer a challenge, so consider enlisting the support of a family member or loved one for your first-time using hearing aids at home, in the car, and in other places where you find them useful. 

Get the physical fit right.

One of the tricks to using hearing aids can be getting them to fit throughout use comfortably. Inserting and removing them can challenge some people with tactile challenges with skill, especially those with arthritis. Be sure to enlist help for the first time or two when you use your aids. Having someone there to help you get them in place can be very helpful, and you may need to fiddle with them a bit to find the place with the most comfortable fit. 

Persistence is not futile.

For those unsettled by the first experience of hearing aids, the most important thing is that you don’t give up! Like any new experience, the first time can feel otherworldly, but you quickly adapt to these changes. 

If you found your new hearing aids to be a bit unusual or unpleasant to use, make a plan to use your hearing aids in different environments for a short time each day. Consistent use will help you become acclimated to your experience. You will want to try using your hearing aids in social environments, but limited times may be better than total immersion. Bring along a carrying case to a party or dinner, and try using your hearing aids for a short time. 

Get help when you need it.

If you are struggling to get used to your new hearing aids, don’t hesitate to ask for advice from a trusted friend or loved one who uses hearing aids. Those who consistently benefit from hearing aids undoubtedly experience the same things you do. If you find that social environments are awkward at first, ask your friend how they acclimated. You might discover some simple tips that will make hearing aids easier and more comfortable. Even if you don’t learn any new information, you will at least benefit from the moral support of a friend who understands what you’re going through. 

With these tips in mind, you will find that your hearing aids become more beneficial and easier to use each time you put them into action. Like any assistive technologies that we use throughout the day, we come to find them essential, even if the first use was alienating or even confusing. With time you will be able to know the situations where they are essential to you, and you will start to find it hard to imagine life without them. Ongoing support and consultation tend to be a component of any hearing aid purchase package, so take advantage of all the tools to get the most out of your aids! And, of course, don’t forget to contact us with any concerns that come up.

We provide comprehensive hearing health services, from hearing testing to hearing aid fittings. Contact us today to learn more.