When you’ve lived with hearing loss for a while, you might be surprised with all the new experiences you’ll have when first wearing hearing aids. But with some helpful techniques, you can make the most of your experience.

When you first start wearing your hearing aids, some sounds might seem too loud which can be a little overwhelming. As you adjust and establish healthy habits with your hearing aids, your brain will re-learn which sounds to focus on and which to turn down.

Stay positive and be patient
It typically takes a few months to fully adapt. Patience and a positive attitude are key to achieving your goal to hear and understand better. 

Adjust the volume
Always adjust to the appropriate volume. Remember, not to make it too loud, because it likely won’t help make sounds clearer.

Actively participate in conversations
Sometimes it’s difficult to follow a conversation, especially if a lot of people are talking at once. With time and practice you can feel more confident and comfortable.

Sit in the front in public places
Ideally, you should find a seat located in the front and center of the room where acoustics are clearest, and you can see the speaker’s face.

Focus on the context of a story
When watching TV or listening radio, try to focus on the overall context and consider using an additional listening device like TV Connector or Roger™ wireless mic.

Try taking a hands-free phone call
You can answer or decline calls with a button, even if your phone is across the room and conveniently direct phone notifications to your hearing aids.

The powerful connection between hearing and language development is well known. That’s why it’s so important to make sure that your child wears their hearing aids whenever they are awake to help support their development.

Encourage wear
At first, your baby may seem surprised or bothered and try to remove them. In fact, they may sometimes cry when they are removed because they want to hear the world.

Keep a record
Some people keep a record of the hours the hearing aids are in use. You can also add notes on new sounds your baby reacts to, or sounds they make to track progress.

Establish a routine
Establish the hearing aids as part of a daily routine to help increase your child’s comfort. A routine is also key in helping your child to identify your voice, which helps create a positive relationship for you both.

Check the settings
If the child has been wearing them consistently and all of a sudden starts pulling them out, check the aids are working, not blocked and check-in with the audiologist.

Empower them
As your child gets older, they may want to express themselves with colored hearing aids, such as Phonak Sky Marvel. There is a large selection of colors and patterns available. Letting your child choose their own design can help make them feel empowered with a sense of ownership.

More about Phonak Sky Marvel and Sky Link M