You’ve already taken the most important step in your hearing health journey booking an appointment with your audiologist to discuss hearing aids. Congratulations! You’re on your way to better hearing.
But, how do you know what to expect? When it comes to your hearing health and hearing aids, what is “normal,” and what might warrant a trip back to the office? The process is different for everyone, but here’s a general overview of what to expect during your consultation, during the adjustment phase with your new hearing aids and over the long-term course of your hearing aid use.
Before
- Expect a thorough hearing aid evaluation that assesses your hearing, as well as your health, lifestyle, priorities and budget.
- Expect different recommendations when shopping around for hearing aids with different providers. There isn’t one hearing aid manufacturer that’s considered best for everyone, and a hearing instrument that works for a friend might not be the best solution for your needs.
- Expect hearing aids to be an investment. High-quality hearing aids range in cost from $2,000-$7,000, depending on the level of technology.
- Expect to purchase two hearing aids if you have hearing loss in both ears. Hearing is binaural (related to both ears), so a device in each ear will help you hear better.
- Expect a trial period complete with a return policy if you’re not happy with your hearing aids. Remember, you should enjoy better hearing, even during the trial period. If your hearing aids don’t improve your hearing, they might not be the right instruments for you. Your audiologist will work with you to find the right solution.
During
- Expect an adjustment period when you first start wearing your hearing aids. It takes most people with hearing loss an average of 5-7 years to finally invest in hearing aids, so it’s probably been a while since you’ve experienced a world full of sound.
- Modern hearing aids can be finely tuned to address your unique hearing profile, so you can expect to see your audiologist at least a handful of times in the weeks following your initial fitting. These regular visits help your audiologist ensure you’re hearing at your best and give you an opportunity to ask questions about how to care for the devices or make minor adjustments on your own.
- Hearing aids amplify sounds, including your own voice. When you first start wearing your new hearing aid, your voice may sound a little funny to you – like you’re listening to a recording of yourself – and that’s totally normal. If your devices partially cover your ear canals, you may also experience an occlusion effect that makes your voice sound slightly muffled. It’ll take a little getting used to, but you’ll adjust to the new sound of your voice in no time.
- Expect your hearing devices to be comfortable. You’ll know they’re there, but you shouldn’t experience pain, soreness or bleeding. If these symptoms occur, remove the hearing aids immediately and see your audiologist for an adjustment.
- Yes, you can – and should! – wear your hearing aids all day, every day, expect when showering and swimming. Think about your hearing like you would your vision. If you don’t see well, you can’t focus on the world around you. Glasses help your eyes and brain interpret things in your physical environment. Likewise, hearing aids help your ears and brain focus on and interpret your aural environment. And just like wearing glasses, you’ll soon adjust to your hearing aids and won’t want to go without them.
- Your new hearing aids will help you hear soft sounds more clearly. Loud sounds will be amplified, too. If “normal loud” sounds, like a car engine or slamming door, are too loud or you experience pain or discomfort when hearing them, talk to your audiologist about adjusting your device settings.
- Expect to hear a little whistling or feedback when you first put in your hearing aids for the day. The feedback should dissipate after the devices are securely in your ears. If you continue to experience the feedback or whistling, see your audiologist for a fit adjustment.
Remember to stay patient! We call this an adjustment period for a reason, and it can take some time to get the devices tuned to your unique hearing profile. Don’t hesitate to talk with your audiologist about any concerns you have. We’re here to help you hear!
Long-term
- Expect to perform occasional, simple maintenance on your hearing aids to keep them functioning at their best, including daily cleaning, wax removal and changing batteries. You’ll still want to see your audiologist regularly for continued hearing evaluation, device adjustment and more complex hearing aid maintenance.
- Like other electronic devices, your hearing aids won’t last forever. You can expect to replace them every 5-7 years. Of course, technology is always improving and advancing, so you may find yourself upgrading to an exciting new model sooner than that.
The team at Audio Help Hearing Centers in Manhattan has a vested interest in your success with your new hearing aids. That’s why we offer the Healthy Hearing Plan designed to make your adjustment and long-term experience as good as possible.
This follow-up care, provided in the comfort of your home or in one of our 4 convenient locations in New York City, is the ultimate package of cutting-edge technology and personalized services required to help you achieve the optimal level of hearing success. You’ll enjoy checkups, maintenance and repair, and free batteries, as well as ongoing consultations.
Call 888-832-9966 today or contact us online to begin your journey to better hearing!
