If you or a loved one has recently started wearing hearing aids or have switched to a new pair of hearing aids, you’ve probably noticed that the transition isn’t always smooth sailing.
Many people experience some degree of discomfort when starting to use hearing aids for the first time, such as Donna LeRoy who shared the story of how her first attempt at hearing aids was less than ideal;
“A few years ago I tried wearing hearing aids, they made my ears itch and I did not like changing the batteries. I finally just quit wearing them…”
Side Effects Can Potentially Include:
- Headaches
- Unexpected sound quality or volume
- Itching in the ear canal
- Soreness or redness
- Feedback
- Tiredness
- Irritability or mood swings
- Being jumpy
Why Side Effects happen
There are various reasons for side effects. It can take time for the ear to adapt to wearing a hearing aid. The pressure of the device against your skin can be uncomfortable or even painful in the beginning. Similar to breaking-in a new pair of shoes, it will require practice and patience until it starts to feel comfortable.
Headaches are likely the result of the brain having to process a much more extensive range of sound than it is used to hearing. Wearing a hearing aid bombards the brain with sound again, often even little sounds it had forgotten, like ticking clocks, footsteps, or birdsong. This stimulation can be very exhausting initially, and overstimulation can lead to headaches, tiredness, and irritability.
You might feel that the world becomes too loud for a while, and you may startle more easily. Some people find lowering the volume initially can help.
Until the side-effects lessen, you can manage the pain/discomfort with over-the-counter pain relief and by taking lots of breaks between wearing your hearing aids. It is essential to rest your ears during this transition to mitigate the discomfort.
We Are Here to Help
The best thing that you can do for yourself or a loved one making the transition to new hearing aids is to be patient and persistent. There are many people who give up too soon during this initial phase, and in doing so, do themselves a disservice. Keep the lines of communication open and don’t be afraid to speak to your loved ones, or to us, about any concerns you have during the adjustment period. When Donna found us, she had already had one failed attempt at wearing her hearing aids, but after a comprehensive hearing assessment, we fitted her with a much better solution for her unique circumstances, with great success;
“Two months ago I got fitted from the House of Hearing with new hearing aids. It has made such a difference in me and my family. Especially with trying to talk with my wife and listening to the TV. It’s not turned up to maximum volume. These hearing aids are small and fit down inside my ear. I cannot believe the difference. I have only missed wearing them one day! The staff at the office were very kind and patient. Their follow up care has been at my convenience. I live two hours away and was going to be in the area. I called and they worked me in for the very next day! I have recommended House of Hearing to my friends.” – Donna LeRoy
We are here to ensure the transition to hearing is as easy and as painless as possible.
At The House of Hearing, we partner with many of the world’s most respected manufacturers to help you choose the right hearing aids based on your unique circumstances, lifestyle, and budget. But in the same way that a racing car is useless without a racing driver, hearing aids alone are only part of the solution.
Through our leading team and methodical approach to achieving better hearing, by partnering with us you’re receiving a hearing care partner for life with advanced doctors of audiology that will be ensuring that you receive the highest level of care and expertise.
The House of Hearing Northern Utah’s most trusted and experienced team of hearing and balance experts can help you restore your health and quality of life by treating your hearing loss. If you or a loved one is having difficulty adjusting to your new device – please call your local office today.
