Support for first-time hearing aid users

Hearing loss develops gradually, and most if new hearing aids users haven't paid attention to changes that happened over time.
The adjusting period to new hearing aids takes 2 to 4 weeks, but it differs from person to person. Some need up to 3 months to fully adapt to new sounds.

When you first start wearing hearing aids, it’s common for everyday sounds to seem overly loud, sharp, or just “off.” This reaction happens for several reasons:

1. Brain Adjustment
Your brain needs time to adapt to amplified sounds. This can take a few weeks of regular use.

2. Volume Settings:
The volume might be set too high. Try lowering it slightly and adjusting gradually.

3. Sound Clarity:
New users may perceive amplified background noise (e.g., fans or footsteps) as too loud until they adjust.

4. Hearing Aid Programming:
The settings might need fine-tuning. Contact your hearing care provider to adjust the sound profile for your needs.

Sometimes, the amplified sound intended for your ear canal escapes and re-enters the hearing aid’s microphone, creating a feedback loop that causes whistling. This can occur for several reasons:

1. Improper fit:
The hearing aid or earmold may not be inserted correctly. Reinsert the hearing aid to ensure a snug fit.

2.Earwax buildup:
Excess earwax can block sound, causing feedback. Clean your ears gently or consult a professional for wax removal.

3. Volume too high:
High volume can create a feedback loop. Lower the volume slightly to reduce whistling.

4. Device Issues:
Check for cracks in the tubing or damage to the earmold. Ensure the microphone isn’t covered or blocked.

Wearing glasses and hearing aids together can be done comfortably with the right approach. Here are a few advices:

1. Consult your Hearing Care Provider to select suitable hearing aid form factor:

• With BTE models, make sure the earpiece and the arm of your glasses share space comfortably behind your ear. Some people find that adjusting the angle or gently bending the temple arms of their glasses helps create a better fit.
• Receiver-in-Canal (RIC) or In-the-Ear (ITE): These smaller styles often make wearing glasses simpler since less of the device sits behind the ear.

Behind-the-Ear (BTE) and Receiver-in-Canal (RIC): Position the hearing aids slightly further back on the ear to avoid clashing.

In-the-Ear (ITE): These don’t interfere with glasses and may be easier to wear together.

2. Put on your glasses first:

 It is important to put your glasses first. Once the frames are set, you can gently set your hearing aid behind the ears. That approach ensures that frames do not disrupt correct setting your hearing aids.

3. Adjust Hearing Aids:

Ensure the hearing aids sit securely above or slightly behind the glasses’ arms.

4. Adjust your frames:

 Adjust the angle of the glasses arms if they press against the hearing aids.