Are Hearing Aids Uncomfortable?

Wearing new hearing aids is a big life transition. You are excited to have better hearing, but an adjustment is definitely needed as you learn to live with hearing aids.

How is it going to feel with technology in your ears every day? The good news is that innovations have made hearing aids more comfortable and better than ever. When working with a hearing specialist, you can find the perfect fit and ideal settings to ensure your comfort at all times.

In the Beginning: Wearing Hearing Aids

At first, it might seem like a strange sensation to wear hearing aids. Not only can you feel them sitting in your ear canal, but you are also adjusting to all the new sounds that you can hear now. Your brain isn’t used to hearing all these noises anymore, so it takes some time to get used to them again.

Seemingly small sounds can be startling. For example, you might notice the sound of your own breath or the noise of your shoes as you walk. Even though it could seem uncomfortably loud in the beginning, but will quickly adjust.

Wearing hearing aids is like getting used to anything else new that you are wearing: shoes, a watch, glasses, or other accessories. You are very aware of them at first. Then, you start to get used to wearing them and don’t think about it as much.

Comfort and the Fit of Your Hearing Aids

Not only are there adjustments as you get used to the new sounds, but it can also be a little uncomfortable to wear these small devices on your ears throughout the day.

Physical discomfort could be mild or moderate when you start wearing hearing aids. But keep in mind that there should NEVER be pain involved! If you are experiencing any type of pain, then talk to your ENT or audiologist immediately.

Most of the time, physical discomfort quickly improves as you adjust to the new experience. Some people notice that they have a little bit of pressure, itching, or other symptoms that start in the beginning – but go away with time.

Well-fit hearing aids are customized to your ears. They are designed to sit in the ear canal without adding too much pressure or issues. If you feel something might be wrong with the fit of your hearing aids, then it’s essential to book a follow-up appointment as soon as possible.

Instant Improvements for Your Hearing

One of the undeniable benefits of wearing hearing aids is the instant improvements you experience with your hearing. When your brain re-learned how to adapt to the sounds, then the world opens up because you are able to hear everything that is happening around you.

Hearing aids help with amplification, which means you will be able to pick up on noises that you couldn’t hear before. As your brain re-learns how to filter what is important, it improves your overall life experience.

Hearing aids help you get through the day more effectively, and you can start participating in more social interactions and other previously difficult activities.

Tips to Make Hearing Aids More Comfortable

The goal of hearing aids is to ensure that you are as comfortable as possible. The more comfortable you feel with the hearing aids on, the higher likelihood that you will wear the hearing aids throughout the day.

Follow these professional tips to be more comfortable when wearing your hearing aids.

• Find the Best Fit: You will spend a lot of time with these devices in your ears, which is why it makes sense to get the perfect fit. Not only will you have an initial fitting, but it’s also a good idea to have follow-up fittings for minor adjustments that can improve your comfort and experience.
• Learn the Basics: Know what you can do to adjust the hearing aids if needed. There are options to turn these devices on and off, as well as change the volume and properly insert them into the ear.
• Be Proactive with Cleaning: When you remove your hearing aids to sleep at night, be proactive about cleaning the equipment, so it is fresh and ready to wear tomorrow.
• Consider Custom Products: If you want maximum comfort, talk to your hearing specialist about options to design custom hearing aids. These products are carefully molded to match the exact shape of your ear and offer outstanding results.
• Take it Easy: When using hearing aids for the first time, it can be overwhelming to wear them for the entire day. Instead, start with just a few hours, then gradually build up your time. One to four hours is perfect in the first few days to increase usage by an hour or two each day until you can wear them throughout the day.
• Be Patient: In the same way that you need to “break in” a new pair of shoes, it also takes time to get used to a new set of hearing aids. This process is similar to the adjustment period for wearing new glasses or getting used to a dental crown in your mouth. You need to acclimate to how the hearing aids feel and sound, especially since they are worn in a highly sensitive area of the body.
• Practice and Experiment: Have patience with yourself and remember that your ears and brain need to re-learn how to manage the new sounds that are coming in. Put yourself in different situations so you can practice and see what it feels like to be around different sounds. For example, watch a movie with subtitles or listen to an audiobook while reading the text.

Remember: the more you wear your hearing aids, the more comfortable they will get over time. Your body will start to adjust and eventually become a normal part of living.

Talk to a Hearing Specialist

The best thing you can do is to partner with a hearing specialist to get the optimal fit and function for your hearing aids. Our team at Collin County Ear, Nose, and Throat is always here to assist. In addition, we work hand-in-hand with our patients, helping you optimize your hearing and improve your overall experience.

For more information about available services in the Collin County or Dallas areas, then reach out to us at Collin County Ear, Nose, and Throat. We offer full-service solutions, including diagnostics, hearing tests, hearing aid fittings, and more. You are invited to contact us at your earliest convenience when you are ready to book an appointment in one of our nearby offices: Frisco or Plano, TX. Complete our online form to schedule a time to meet with a hearing specialist, or call: (972) 596-4005.