There are many reasons for hearing loss. For some, it comes early, even at birth. Others may have suffered middle ear infections or noise-induced hearing loss. For most of those suffering from hearing loss, it comes with age and can be worsened by high blood pressure or diabetes.

Generally, age-related hearing loss affects both ears, equally. Often that loss, and others, can be addressed with the use of hearing aids.

Adjusting to Wearing Hearing Aids

For those suffering from a reduction in their hearing ability, it can take time to adjust to new hearing aids and to gain back better hearing. Because hearing loss is a progressive process, it follows suit that recovery will also be progressive.

For new hearing aid users, it takes time to adjust to wearing and using them. For those who have used sub-par hearing aids, it takes a while to become accustomed to wearing better quality ones.

Different Types of Hearing Aids

A hearing aid is a battery-operated electronic device that enhances the ability to hear sound. Your audiologist will help you find what hearing aid works best for you while being comfortable. There are a few different styles.

• Behind the Ear (BTE)
• Mini BTE, with receiver worn in the ear canal
• In-the-Ear (ITE)
• In-the-Canal (ITC)
• Completely-in-Canal (CIC)

Steps to Successful Use of Your Hearing Aids

1. A positive approach —  With acceptance, comes perseverance.
2. Educate yourself — Be willing to learn everything you can about your own hearing loss. There are different reasons and degrees of loss and each may require different equipment. By wearing hearing aids, you are retraining the link between sound and your brain. Learn all you can about your hearing loss and your new hearing aids.
3. Practice — At first all noises may be loud and similar. It takes time for the brain to learn, for example, the difference between someone talking in a conversation versus the background noise, differentiating between hearing your phone ring and a car honk. Once you master one type of sound again, you can work on another.
4. Take a Break — When you first start using your new hearing aids, don’t plan on wearing them all day. Give yourself time to adapt. Rather than wearing them all day, wear them for a few hours a day, then take a break. As your hearing improves, add a couple of hours each week until you can wear them all day, every day.

Be Realistic and Patient

Good hearing aids will help you hear better; however, you should not expect to regain perfect hearing. It could take anywhere between a few weeks to a few months to develop the best marriage between your new hearing aids and your new hearing abilities.

Be sure you are comfortable putting your hearing aids on and adjusting the volume before you leave the audiologist’s office. You should also learn to change the batteries. Adjustments may be needed several times, for you to get the most of the new hearing aids.

As you adjust, your hearing aids will become a part of your daily routine. You won’t have to think about hearing, but simply be able to do so.

If you, or a loved one, are having hearing problems and live in the Los Angeles area, call the team at Pacific Hearing, Inc. If you have been equipped with hearing aids, be sure to call us with any questions or concerns you may have. Learning how to use your hearing aids and to get the most out of them is a team effort. We want to do everything possible to help you in your desire and ability to hear better.

Gregory Frazer, PhD, AuD, CCC-A, ABA, NBC-HIS

Adjunct Professor UCSD/San Diego State U Audiology Program Adjunct Professor University of Pacific Audiology Program Adjunct Professor AT Still University Audiology Program Adjunct Professor Pacific University Audiology Program Dr. Gregory Frazer entered private practice Audiology and Hearing Aid Dispensing in 1982. For 14 years he owned and operated Hearing Care Associates, which had 23 offices and was one of the largest audiology private practices in the U.S. Dr. Frazer is a well-known clinician and teacher and was the first audiologist to obtain dual doctorates in Audiology, both a PhD. in Audiology as well as the new Clinical Doctorate of Audiology, the AuD. He is Board Certified by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, American Academy of Audiology, and the National Certification in Hearing Instrument Sciences. Dr. Frazer specializes in the evaluation and treatment of vertigo, dizziness, and hearing and balance disorders. Dr. Frazer is experienced in working with infants, children, and adults. He is semi-fluent in Spanish and Sign Language.

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