Approximately 28.8 million U.S. adults could benefit from the use of hearing aids. Embracing the hearing aid journey, filled with vibrant sounds and crystal-clear conversations, is an exciting adventure. However, amidst the joy, it’s natural to experience some initial discomfort as you adapt to wearing your new devices. Let’s explore some tips to ensure comfort as you integrate hearing aids into your daily routine.
Tips To Maximize Comfort
A few helpful tips to maximize comfort include:
- Ensure proper placement. One of the primary sources of discomfort with hearing aids is improper placement. These small devices can exert pressure on or around your ear canal when not positioned correctly, resulting in soreness or discomfort. Refer to your device manual to verify that your hearing aids are positioned correctly for optimal comfort. If you believe your devices are placed correctly but are still experiencing soreness, contact your hearing aid specialist to check the fitting.
- Keep them clean. Dirty hearing aids can result in bacterial growth or produce an unpleasant whistling feedback sound, often caused by wax buildup. Similar to how you clean your in-ear headphones, your hearing aids require regular maintenance. Grab a hearing aid cleaning kit to remove wax and debris from your devices. Consider consulting your provider for professional earwax cleanings if you notice excessive wax accumulation.
- Take short breaks. While your hearing aids introduce you to a world of delightful sounds, they may also amplify noises that can feel overwhelming initially. Moments like the slamming of a toilet lid or the cross chatter of customers at the Water Grill might become unexpectedly intrusive. If you find certain sounds bothersome, take short breaks from wearing your devices to allow yourself time to adjust gradually.
Why Is Consistent Wear Important?
Similar to how a run may feel difficult after a long rest, your brain may have difficulty processing sound without consistent input. Wearing hearing aids all day helps your brain stay active and engaged. In addition to keeping your hearing muscles in shape, you will have an easier time getting used to your devices with consistent wear.
Transitioning to new hearing aids may present challenges, but discomfort should never escalate to pain. If you encounter any discomfort or have questions regarding the placement or maintenance of your hearing aids, don’t hesitate to reach out to The House Institute to make an appointment with one of our specialists.