Dealing with Hearing Aid Discomfort by Practical Adjustments
Have you recently acquired a hearing aid but are struggling to adjust? Read on for tips on making the transition easier!
Adjustment Period
It is common for new users to need time to adjust to wearing assistive devices. On average, it may take a few weeks or even a couple of months to get used to using hearing aids in your daily routines. Patience and troubleshooting will help you during this period. However, if there are still issues beyond the adjustment period, many of them are solvable. Below, we list a few common challenges hearing aid users experience.
Common Challenges
Ear Pain
Do you experience ear pain while wearing your aids? This may have several different causes. One is that the mold, while custom-made, may not have fully adapted to your ear. Similar to how new shoes are too stiff before being “broken in,” earmolds also take time to settle. If insertion is painful, there are hearing aid lubricants you can apply to help make it more comfortable.
Another possible cause is an ear infection. The hearing aid device is an added source of irritation. For this, you will need to see your primary care physician or ENT specialist for treatment.
Feedback
Squealing or high-pitched feedback is very common source of annoyance for hearing aid users. The most common cause of sudden feedback noises is an aid that does not fit properly. The processor should fit snugly around the outside of the ear. The ear mold tube is likely too long if there is space between the processor and the outer ear. You can very carefully trim the tube to make it fit properly.
Another cause is an ear mold that no longer fits your inner ear. Molds can break down, shrink, or crack near the tube connections. A snug-fitting mold keeps sound from escaping, so it’s important to check every few months or annually to see if you need a new one.
Sound Distortion
If the sounds are commonly distorted during your use, there are three adjustments you can try: changing the volume, regular cleanings, and scheduling mapping sessions.
Volume Control
A common cause of distortion is having the volume set too high. Try lowering the volume to see if the sound becomes clearer. Constantly increasing the volume of your aid is a sign that you may need a more powerful hearing aid. Consult with your audiologist if you notice this happening to you.
Cleanings
Hearing aids can accumulate wax or moisture buildup, reducing the processor’s output. Regular cleanings of earwax from your ear molds are essential to maintaining your hearing quality. A dehumidifier, especially in humid environments, will also make your device last longer between repairs.
Setting Adjustments
Most high-end hearing aids are programmed and mapped by an experienced audiologist or hearing aid specialist. Finding the right settings for your device that meet your needs can take time. Don’t be afraid to meet with your audiologist to troubleshoot settings. A few adjustments are expected at the beginning of using a hearing aid.
Dull Audio
If sounds are not clear, crisp, or understandable, you may have earwax build-up that is dulling the audio. Most walk-in clinics can remove earwax, and there are also do-it-at-home kits you can use. If earwax removal does not fix the problem, it may be a technical issue with the aid itself. At that point, bring it to a hearing aid specialist for repair.
Social Anxiety
Many new users of hearing aids are nervous about drawing unwanted attention to their devices. If using hearing aids improves your quality of life, remember that the benefits far outweigh any concerns about appearance.That said, many discreet models are on the market if you are more comfortable going that route. Seeking support from other deaf and hard of hearing people who use assistive devices will also help you. The more you wear hearing aids publicly, the more comfortable you’ll become.
Summary
It takes time to physically and emotionally adjust to using new technology. Know that you’re not alone. Initially, it is helpful to practice using your hearing aid and try different settings in a quiet environment. If assistive technology is overwhelming or painful, seek professional help from your primary care provider or audiologist. They are there to support you.
With regular cleanings, custom fittings, mapping sessions, health checkups and social support, you will have many strategies to minimize the adjustment period of your new hearing aids. It is a process, but if you stick with it, you can experience many benefits of your hearing aid daily!
Molly, a Deaf mom of two CODAs, lives with her hearing partner of almost 14 years in the scenic Blue Ridge mountains of Virginia. Profoundly Deaf since 18 months old, she enjoys writing about the lived Deaf experiences and advocacy. In her free time she reads, and is very slowly working on authoring her first book.
