Did you know that there is a hearing aid adjustment period? The amount of time that this can take can vary from person to person, but everyone undergoes a period of adjustment when they first start wearing hearing aids. Even though every individual goes through a slightly different process, reading this guide can help prepare you by teaching you what to expect before you start wearing your hearing aids and looking forward down the road.

Getting used to your hearing aids starts before you make a purchase, as the early steps you take can significantly impact the outcome. If you want to make the hearing aid adjustment period smoother, check out these helpful tips to help you get used to your new hearing aids.

• If you decide to shop around before you buy hearing aids, know that there isn’t one type of hearing aid recommended for everyone. You need to find the one that will work with your particular needs. If this isn’t done correctly, then there’s a chance that your investment may not work out for you. Since hearing aids are a significant investment, undergo a thorough ASSESSMENT OF YOUR HEARING AND HEALTH WITH A HEARING HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL.

• In many cases, two hearing aids are necessary, especially if you have hearing loss in both ears. While you might want to cut costs and only purchase one, you will not likely experience optimal results. Your hearing is binaural and requires the use of both ears to hear, so if you are looking to be satisfied with your investment, make sure you purchase two hearing aids so you can receive input from both ears.

• Since many professionals will work with you until a suitable solution is found, it is not uncommon to be offered a money-back guarantee trial period. During this trial period, you can take your device for a “test drive” to see firsthand if that particular device benefits you in the form of improved hearing. While your hearing probably will not be ‘perfect’ during this trial period, they should provide some benefit. But if the hearing aids don’t offer any improvement in hearing, then it’s possible that the particular device is not correct for you.

• When you first start wearing aids, do not expect your hearing will return to normal immediately. There is always an adjustment period, and in some cases, it can take 5-7 years since your brain has to train itself. Especially if you have not been able to hear particular sounds for quite some time, so do not expect the process to be instantaneous and for your hearing aid to be a “cure-all.” Also, expect to return to your doctor for adjustments (even past the beginning stages) since modern hearing aids can be fine-tuned to help ensure you hear your best. Keep in mind, this goes for performance and comfort since your hearing aids should be comfortable. If they aren’t, see your hearing care professional for an adjustment.

• While your hearing aids are best kept in your ear (within reason, of course), in the beginning, it is best to slowly work up to wearing your hearing aids for extended periods. At first, your hearing aids may not feel right in the ear, and your brain may need some time to retrain itself, so start by wearing them for an hour or two daily and then work up from there. Every day, increase the number of hours you are wearing your device until you can wear your hearing aids for the whole day.

• As previously mentioned, your brain needs time to retrain itself, which can take years, so be patient and kind to yourself during this process. However, if you want to help speed along the process, practice every day to help retrain your brain. You can help your brain rewire itself by using captions while watching television, listening to audiobooks, reading aloud, talking to others (in person and on the phone), speaking in groups of people, and practicing listening exercises.