If you’ve recently started wearing hearing aids, or even if you’ve had them for a while, you might be wondering how to make the most of your device. A hearing aid isn’t a cure for hearing loss, but it’s a powerful tool that can greatly improve your quality of life. The key is knowing how to adapt to them, care for them, and give yourself the time to fully experience their benefits. Let’s explore some practical tips to help you get the best results from your hearing aids.
1) Wear Your Hearing Aids Consistently
The more you wear your hearing aids, the faster your brain will adapt to processing sound through them. Even if sounds feel a little different or overwhelming at first, wearing your hearing aids regularly helps you adjust. This can be the same experience when you have been a long-term user of one brand of hearing aids and decide to change to a different brand. It takes time for the brain to adapt to the new sound and the new technology’s signal processing inside the hearing aid. Over time, you’ll become more aware of subtle sounds you may not have noticed before — like birds chirping or footsteps on gravel — enhancing your overall auditory experience. Try to wear them throughout the day, even in quieter settings, to give your brain time to acclimate. As a general rule of thumb, we recommend no less than six hours a day.
2) Be Patient with Yourself and the Process
It’s important to remember that adjusting to hearing aids is a journey, not an instant fix. While you may notice immediate improvements, your hearing will continue to evolve as you wear them. Give yourself grace and set realistic expectations. Pay attention to how your hearing changes over weeks and months and trust the process — your patience will pay off with richer, more natural hearing over time. It is important to also inform your significant others that as you adjust to your hearing aids, it is still best to speak face to face for best clarity. We cannot expect to hear our family members talking to us from another room in the house, whilst we are watching TV in the living room for example.
3) Take Care of Your Hearing Aids
Proper maintenance is essential to ensure your hearing aids work effectively. Clean them regularly as advised by your audiologist, and store them in a safe, dry place when not in use. Check the batteries or charge them as needed to avoid interruptions and inspect your devices for any signs of wear or damage. A little routine care can go a long way in keeping your hearing aids functioning at their best. Did you know many maintenance appointments in hearing aid clinics are often as simple as changing the wax filter on the hearing aid to enable you to hear clearly again? You can change this yourself in under one minute, saving a trip to your audiologist.
4) Schedule Regular Follow-Ups
Hearing doesn’t stay static — it changes over time, and your hearing aids might need adjustments. Booking regular follow-ups with your audiologist ensures your hearing aids are always programmed to meet your current needs. These check-ins are an opportunity to share your experiences, discuss any challenges, and fine-tune your devices for optimal performance. If your friends or family notice you are missing out on conversations, it may be a good idea to book in a consult with your audiologist.
5) Send your hearing aids in for a quality service before the warranty expires
As life happens, we often forget how quickly time passes. Before you know it, it may be three years of hearing aid usage! Many manufacturers offer a three-year warranty on your hearing devices. It is best to take advantage of this even if your devices are working well, as when you send them in for a service at the manufacturer, just before warranty expires, they will quality test all the electrical components with their thorough processes and machines that hearing aid clinics simply do not have access to. This could extend the life of your hearing aid, and it is of no cost to send them in before that warranty end date.
Explore Different Listening Environments
The more diverse the environments you experience with your hearing aids, the better you’ll understand how they enhance your hearing. Whether you’re having a quiet conversation at home or dining in a bustling restaurant, take note of how your hearing aids perform. Modern devices often come with customizable settings for various soundscapes, and your audiologist can help you adjust them to suit your lifestyle. This is a discussion with your audiologist as hearing aid technology ranges from basic through to advanced signal processing. Advanced hearing aids are better performing in complex noisy situations like restaurants and venues, whilst basic hearing aids are best on a one to one listening scenario.
Trust Your Audiologist’s Expertise
Your audiologist is your partner in better hearing. They can answer your questions, make adjustments, and offer practical advice tailored to your specific hearing loss and lifestyle. Don’t hesitate to reach out if something feels off or if you have concerns — they’re there to support you every step of the way.
Embrace the Benefits of Better Hearing
Hearing aids do more than amplify sound — they reconnect you to the world around you. From enjoying conversations with loved ones to appreciating the subtle sounds of nature, hearing aids enrich life in countless ways. Studies even show that treating hearing loss can help slow cognitive decline, making hearing aids an investment not only in your hearing but in your long-term well-being.
If you’re ready to take control of your hearing health, Victorian Hearing is here to guide you. Our experienced independent award winning audiologists can help you find the perfect hearing solution and support you as you adapt to life with hearing aids.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment — because your hearing deserves the very best care. With ten clinics across Melbourne, you’re sure to find a friendly smile and expert support from our dedicated team. Call us on (03) 9558 8842 or book online.