Hearing Aids – Adjustment Period and Realistic Expectations

Successful Hearing Aid Use Requires an Adjustment Period • It can take from 6 weeks to 6 months for the brain to acclimate to hearing aids. • The brain has to relearn how to process the sounds it has been missing. • Remember: Hearing aids cannot restore perfect hearing. However, they will improve hearing ability and overall social experiences. Tips for Successful Adjustment

1. Realistic Expectations

• You have a hearing loss because there is damage along the auditory pathway somewhere between your ears and your brain. The severity of your hearing loss, the configuration of your hearing loss, and your lifestyle will allow your Audiologist to determine realistic expectations for you.
• Realistic expectations are vital to successful hearing aid use.

2. Positive Attitude

• Focus on the improvements in your hearing as your brain adjusts.
• Enjoy the environmental sounds you have been missing (birds chirping, leaves rustling in the wind, etc.)

3. Practice

• Begin wearing the hearing aids in easier listening situations. As you get used to those situations, begin wearing them in more complex listening situations.
• Part-time use may be easier in the beginning. Gradually work your way to wearing them all day.

4. Patience

• Be patient with the hearing aids and with yourself as your brain relearns how to hear again. It will be well worth the wait.
• ENJOY your improved social experiences with your new hearing aids.

Life is more beautiful when you hear it!