What Is It Really Like Using Hearing Aids?

Are you curious about what wearing a hearing aid feels like? Every person's experience will be different, but you can prepare yourself by keeping a few things in mind.

A new hearing aid can be both exciting and overwhelming at the same time. It can open you up to a whole new world of communication, but it can also be scary. Getting your first hearing aid might make you wonder how it feels to wear one. Here are some things you can think about to help you get ready.

Size and Style Are Important Considerations

There are many different types and shapes and sizes of hearing aids depending on how bad your hearing is. Due to the fact that it is designed to fit snugly behind the ear and that all of the components are plainly seen, the behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aid is the most fundamental and widely used type of hearing aid. The second form of hearing aid, known as an in-the-ear (ITE) hearing aid, is custom-made to fit completely in the outer ear and is the most frequently requested device by those with hearing loss. 

The third and fourth categories of devices are in-the-canal (ITC) and completely-in-canal (CIC). These are the most recent hearing aids that are practically invisible in the ear canal. It will feel different for each individual depending on the size or type of hearing aid, as well as how it is placed in the ear. Hearing aids are often composed of an earmold or a specialized tubing component that must be securely fitted in the ear to function properly. 

The way a hearing aid is built has an impact on how comfortable it is to wear. Hearing aids can be very uncomfortable when they are first put in. It may be weird to have something in your ear. With persistent hearing aid use, you will ultimately notice a difference in your feelings as you become acclimated.

It's All About How You Wear It

The way you use your hearing aid has a big impact on how comfortable it is. The only way to become used to it is to practice properly placing it in your ear on a frequent basis. The more uncomfortable it is to wear in the ear, the more unusual it will feel to wear it in the first place. Incorporate some magic into your process and continue to fit it, repositioning it, if necessary, until you reach a point where it feels comfortable and you have nearly forgotten that it is even there.

Everyday Noises Have a New Normal

Having hearing loss means that you can no longer hear the sounds that you used to be able to. They have become softer, which has changed how you listen to things. Ultimately, a hearing aid's goal is to amplify sounds in accordance with your existing hearing loss; as a result, wearing a hearing aid will feel like entering a whole new world of sounds. Because of the physics of the hearing aid, these sounds may differ from what you are used to. 

Although the gadget provides amplification, the way certain things sound may be altered, causing them to sound unnatural to the listener initially. With repeated exposure, your ears will become accustomed to the new normal of sound.

A Hearing Aid Isn't the Cure All

It's very normal to have an odd feeling when you first put your hearing aid on. The constant presence of the earmold or tubing related to your hearing device may cause your ears to sound different since you are constantly aware of its existence. When it comes to improving communication with family and friends, as well as connecting you to the outside world, your hearing aid is an excellent tool. 

Keep in mind that your hearing aid isn't a perfect answer or a cure for your hearing loss. While in conversation, it is possible to have some trouble comprehending specific speech sounds or to feel overwhelmed by background noise.

As a hearing aid user, you must ensure that you are wearing your hearing aids on a continuous basis to increase your level of comfort and confidence while wearing them. If you’re experiencing hearing loss, or you’d like to talk to someone about hearing aids, call EarTech Audiology at (866) 464-1008 today to speak to a friendly member of our team about your hearing loss.