Tips and Assistance for Hearing Aids in Edmonton
Adapting to change is never easy, especially as we get older. Patterns, habits and comforts can be tough to break or part with; but sometimes, change is necessary. When it comes to your health, some changes can make a big difference in how you interact with and experience the world around you. Having to use hearing aids is one such change that delivers great results but can take some getting used to.
If you are an adult who has recently been diagnosed with the need to wear hearing aids, read these simple tips to ensure a smooth and comfortable transition. Have more questions about hearing aids in Edmonton or want to find out more about your individual hearing health? Contact Alberta Hearing Service for advice, tests, and the latest technology to keep you and your entire family hearing clearly.
Tips for Adjusting to Your New Hearing Aids
Don’t be discouraged by the initial transition period. Cavity fillings, casts, eyeglasses… What do they all have in common? They pay off in the long run, but can feel strange at first. Persevere with the knowledge that your hearing aids will soon feel normal and natural.
Follow these five tips to make the awkward stage as brief and comfortable as possible:
Start Short – Your hearing aids will need to be adjusted at your follow-up appointments, so wearing them in different environments can help ensure your feedback will be as useful as possible. However, when you first get your devices, wearing them for a few hours a day is fine. Choose comfortable environments to start wearing them in before moving to more noisy, uncontrolled, and loud areas. As you begin to wear them longer during waking hours, try to identify sounds that cause irritation. Try to consciously identify different noises so that you will be able to filter sounds easier in loud spaces.
Start Quiet – Stay at home your first day and readjust to being able to hear more subtle sounds. From birds chirping outdoors to the ticking clock inside, you will need time to adjust to being able to hear these competing noises. If you find yourself overwhelmed or irritated, grab a pen and jot down the sounds that are particularly grating. You may find that before your next visit to your hearing healthcare provider, many of the sounds are no longer bothersome. If some still sound too loud or are painful to hear, be sure to mention them at your appointment so that appropriate adjustments can be made.
Leave the Volume Alone – Most modern hearing aids will automatically switch to the appropriate settings for different environments. Turning up the volume can lead to further hearing damage. Don’t test or play with your devices by trying to get super-human hearing, either! Hearing aids aren’t designed for this and it can be dangerous for your ears.
Turn Down the TV Volume – The days of sitting very close to the television set with the volume on high are behind you now. Allow your devices to do their job by asking someone with good hearing to set the TV at a comfortable volume. Try not to adjust it; consider watching with subtitles to help you recognize the connection between sounds and language.
Invite Familiar Voices Over – Group conversations can be challenging for many adults who start wearing hearing aids. Familiar voices are easier to identify and will help you get used to active listening again. Face the speaker and get used to filtering out multiple voices if necessary. Your brain will need a bit of practice reconnecting nonverbal body language cues, vocal patterns, intonations, and sounds into one large picture. Having a space to ‘practice’ with trusted loved ones is ideal.
Effective Hearing Aids in Edmonton at a Trusted Clinic Near You
Whether you are looking for a clinic to get your new hearing aids in Edmonton, or you already have hearing aids and require personalized adjustments, Alberta Hearing Service can help.
Our experienced and friendly team provides comprehensive hearing services.
Contact us today to learn more about your hearing health and find the right hearing aids for you. Call 780-423-0886, 780-469-8372, or toll free 1-877-423-0886 or contact us online.