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Helping Loved Ones Adjust to New Hearing Aids

Getting new hearing aids can be a big change for your loved ones. These tiny devices help them hear better, but it might take some time to get used to them. 

Here are some tips to help your family members or friends adjust to their new hearing aids.

Be Patient

The first thing to remember is to be patient. Your loved one might initially find the new sounds overwhelming. They may hear things they haven’t heard in a long time, like the ticking of a clock or the hum of the refrigerator. This can be surprising and a little uncomfortable. Give them time to get used to these new sounds.

Encourage Practice

Wearing hearing aids can feel strange at first. Encourage your loved one to wear their hearing aids for a few hours each day, gradually increasing the time as they feel more comfortable. It’s like breaking in a new pair of shoes – it takes time to get used to them.

Start in Quiet Places

In the beginning, it’s a good idea to spend time in quiet places. This helps your loved one get used to their hearing aids without too much background noise. Watching TV, talking, or reading in a quiet room can help them focus on familiar sounds.

Have Simple Conversations

Start with simple conversations. Talk slowly and clearly, and face your loved one so they can see your lips. This helps them understand what you are saying. Avoid talking from another room or while chewing gum, as this can make it harder for them to understand.

Use Positive Reinforcement

Celebrate the small victories. When your loved one hears something new or feels more comfortable with their hearing aids, give them positive feedback. Encouragement can boost their confidence and make the adjustment period easier.

Attend Follow-up Appointments

It’s important to attend follow-up appointments with your hearing aid provider. These check-ups ensure that the hearing aids are working well and fit comfortably. The audiologist can make adjustments and answer any questions your loved one might have.

Be Supportive

Adjusting to new hearing aids can be an emotional journey. Your loved one might feel frustrated or sad if they struggle to adapt. Be supportive and understanding. Listen to their concerns and reassure them that it’s okay to take time to get used to their hearing aids.

Assistive Listening Devices

Sometimes, hearing aids alone are not enough. Assistive listening devices like amplified phones or TV listening systems can make a big difference. These devices work with hearing aids to make sounds clearer and louder.

Encourage Social Activities

Encourage your loved one to join social activities. Being around friends and family helps them practice using their hearing aids in different situations. Group activities like playing games, having dinner, or going for a walk can be enjoyable ways to practice hearing.

Learn Together

Learn about hearing aids together. Understanding how they work and what to expect can help both you and your loved one. There are many resources available online, including videos and articles, that explain hearing aids in simple terms.

Audiologists and Hearing Aids in Fort Wayne, IN

Adjusting to hearing aids can take time, but with patience, practice, and support, your loved one will start to enjoy the benefits of better hearing. Celebrate progress, no matter how small, and stay hopeful.

Helping a loved one adjust to new hearing aids is an important task. With your support, patience, and encouragement, they will soon feel more comfortable and confident in their ability to hear better. Remember, you’re in this together, and together, you can make this transition smoother and more positive.

If you need help with your hearing aids, audiologists can help. HearCare Audiology is an audiology and hearing aid clinic with expert audiologists that provides comprehensive hearing care services and hearing tests in Fort Wayne, IN.

Are You Ready To Hear Better?

Hearing better starts with a diagnostic hearing test to pinpoint the strengths and weaknesses of your hearing and a conversation with a hearing health care professional to determine what measures you can take to improve your hearing.