What is “normal” versus “not normal” when it comes to hearing aids? The process is a little different for everyone, but here are a few items to expect before getting hearing aids.

  • If you decide to shop around and see a couple of different hearing healthcare professionals about hearing aids, expect that they could have different recommendations. There isn’t one brand of hearing aid that is considered “best” for everyone, and the one your friend raves about might not be the right one for your particular needs.
  • Expect a thorough assessment, one that takes not just your hearing, but also your health, lifestyle, priorities and budget into consideration.
  • Expect to purchase two hearing aids if you have hearing loss in both ears. Even if you think you only need one device, human hearing is binaural by design. Most people get optimal results when the brain receives input from both ears.
  • Expect a period of adjustment when you first start wearing your hearing aids. The average time a person with known hearing loss takes to finally get hearing aids is 5-7 years, so it has likely been a while since you have been able to fully hear all of the sounds around you.
  • Expect to return to your hearing healthcare professional several times during the trial period for adjustments. Today’s hearing aids can be fine tuned to address your needs, and your provider will want to make sure you are hearing your best.
  • When you first begin wearing hearing aids, expect your voice to sound funny. Hearing aids work by amplifying sounds, and that includes your own voice.
  • Expect to wear your hearing aids for all waking hours after the adjustment period, except when you are showering or swimming.  People who wear their hearing aids are more successful in retraining their brains to hear all of the sounds they have been missing.

Content provided by HealthyHearing