What Hearing Loss Means for Your Overall Health
For many of us, maintaining our health is a constant priority. Regular checkups, activity, and a healthy diet
New to Hearing Aids? What to Expect During the Adjustment Period
Starting your journey with hearing aids is an exciting step toward better hearing and a better quality of life. But just like breaking in a new pair of glasses or learning to drive a new car, it takes a little time to get fully comfortable. The key is to be patient with yourself and give your brain time to adapt.
Here’s a general timeline to help you know what to expect along the way.
Week 1: Getting Acquainted
Your first appointment includes the initial fitting, where your hearing aids are adjusted based on your hearing test results. Right away, things may sound strange, your voice might echo, or everyday noises may seem unusually sharp or loud. Don’t worry, this is all part of the process.
Tip: Start by wearing your hearing aids in quieter settings for a few hours each day and gradually increase your use.
Week 2: Reconnecting with Everyday Sounds
By the second week, your brain is starting to adapt to all the “new” sounds, like the clicking of your keyboard, the hum of your refrigerator, or the birds singing outside. You might notice things you haven’t heard in years. Try to wear your hearing aids throughout the day to help your brain re-learn how to filter and prioritize sound.
Tip: Keep track of any concerns or discomfort so you can discuss them with your hearing specialist.
Week 3: Improved Clarity
You’re likely noticing conversations are easier to follow, and listening doesn’t feel quite so tiring. While some environments may still pose challenges, your overall sound experience should start to feel more natural. Around this time, your audiologist may bring you in for a follow-up visit to fine-tune your settings.
Tip: Don’t skip your follow-up, it’s an important part of getting the best possible fit.
Week 4: Finding Your Rhythm
By the fourth week, many people feel much more confident using their hearing aids. You’ll start to feel more at ease in group conversations, social settings, and busier environments. Your hearing aids are becoming a normal (and helpful!) part of your daily routine.
Months 3–6: Long-Term Success
After a few months of regular use, most people feel fully adapted. Sounds feel balanced, and you’ve likely developed the habits that help you get the most out of your devices. Now’s the time to start thinking about long-term care, regular checkups, cleanings, and ongoing support from your audiologist.
Let’s Make Your Transition Smooth and Successful
Getting used to hearing aids doesn’t happen overnight, but with guidance and support, it becomes second nature. At AnyPlace Audiology, we’re here to help every step of the way. If you’re in Cedar Park, Marble Falls, or Belton, reach out to schedule a visit or ask questions.
Your journey to better hearing starts today – let us help you along the way.
all contribute to our overall being, but how does hearing impact our health? Hearing loss affects many of us and our loved ones, so it’s important to know how it can affect you.
Communication Problems
Communicating with friends, family, colleagues, and even strangers is an integral part of our daily lives. We have to communicate to understand important details regarding our life as well as just to feel connected and understood. When it becomes harder to hear, you can miss out on important conversations. It can make understanding your relationships and surroundings more difficult. You may also miss out on important safety plans and alerts in emergency situations.
Mental Health Concerns
For a variety of reasons, hearing loss can cause anxiety and depression. Beginning with the decline in your communication, the feelings of isolation and being misunderstood can make you feel depressed. You may notice yourself starting to withdraw. You might also feel health anxiety over your hearing loss, especially when you’re unsure of the underlying cause.
There is a stigma surrounding hearing loss and hearing aids. Some people are concerned it makes them seem older than they are, but hearing loss occurs to people of all ages for different reasons. Treating your hearing loss by any means, including hearing aids, only means that you’re taking charge of your health. You’re preventing risks for a number of different health issues.
Dementia and Memory Problems
Studies have shown that cognitive decline may occur earlier in people with untreated hearing loss than in people without it. It has also been shown that people with untreated hearing loss are at an increased risk of developing dementia in their lifetime. Before developing cognitive issues, you might notice problems with your memory. As your brain becomes more stressed trying to hear and understand things, it does not have as much capacity to commit the details to your memory.
Dealing with hearing loss can put a lot of stress on you and your loved ones, but if you act soon after recognizing symptoms, you can keep yourself healthier for longer. Even if you’ve experienced hearing loss for years, you can still treat your hearing loss and improve your overall health.
Make sure you’re taking care of your hearing health. Contact our office to schedule a hearing test today.