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Things don’t always go well when you start a new job.
Even when you are fully qualified, the way your new employer does things takes some getting used to, but things are even worse when you are under-qualified.
New hearing aids are similar, even if they are custom fit to your ears, you will have to go through an adjustment period, and a poorly fitted device is even worse.
We want our South Plains area patients to get the most benefit possible from their hearing aids, so we provide the necessary support you need to adjust to the feeling of your new hearing aids.
Avoid OTC Hearing Aids
You will be well ahead of the game if you stay away from one-size-fits-all, OTC, or online hearing aids.
Forcing the tissues of your ears to conform to the generic shape of this type of hearing aid causes a lot of discomfort, which could be ongoing and may never work out.
A custom-formed hearing aid fits the unique contours of your ear and ear canal.
Their level of comfort is well worth the added expense over the long term.
Even Well-Fitted Hearing Aids Have an Adjustment Period
Even with well-fitted hearing aids, every new hearing aid wearer goes through two elements related to adjusting to their new device, including:
- Adjusting to structural characteristics. Muscle and tissue fatigue in and around your ears is common for new hearing aid wearers. The fatigue you often experience can lead to neck and jaw tension and headaches while your body adapts to the weight and constant contact of the instrument against your skin.
- Adjusting to functionality. The shock of amplified sounds for which your brain had to make compensation is a shocking experience. In the early stages of wearing new hearing aids, muffled or absent sounds, like the hum of the refrigerator, street noise, and your own voice are painfully loud.
Strategies for a More Comfortable Adjustment Period
Making it through the uncomfortable adjustment process leads to long-term benefits that far outweigh a few weeks of initial discomfort.
We have helped thousands of individuals adjust to their hearing instruments, providing us insight into proven strategies that lead to a more comfortable adjustment period, such as:
- Starting with a good fit. Even when you invest in a custom-formed device, there can be fitting issues. Be honest during fitting, expressing any discomfort you experience so you can start with a good fit.
- Take it slow. Start by wearing your hearing aid until it is uncomfortable, and then let your ears take a break. Build up to wearing them for longer periods of time while taking fewer and shorter breaks until you can wear them all day.
- Practice at home first. Unexpected loud noises and sensory overload will hit you hard outside your home, so practice at home before going out. Consider reading aloud to yourself to help speed the process.
- Take advantage of hearing care provider support. Discouragement and frustration are normal during the adjustment period. Take advantage of the support provided by your hearing care provider until you are comfortable.
Cornerstone Audiology Provides the Support You Need
Instead of saving a buck on one-size-fits-all hearing aids, reduce your discomfort by investing in custom-formed instruments.
Cornerstone Audiology provides better-fitting, more comfortable custom-formed hearing aids for our patients throughout the South Plains region.
We have the equipment, experience, and expertise to ensure a better fit and greater comfort while providing plenty of follow up support. If you or a loved one is having difficulty adjusting to your new device, please contact our friendly team.
We are more than happy to help, even if you’re not an existing patient.
