If you are new to wearing a hearing aid, it may take some time to get used to it. Remember that hearing aids cannot restore your hearing back to normal. They can only improve your hearing, thus increasing your quality of life significantly.

So, what is it like to wear a hearing aid?

You should experience the most improved hearing in quiet environments such as during single conversations and while watching television. These are times when the background noise is low or non-existent. You should also notice an improvement in hearing in areas with moderate background noise. As the background noise increases, your hearing is not going to be that good. However, your hearing should be no worse off when there are high levels of background noise than without the hearing aid.

You may hear your own voice differently. It'll take some time to adjust to the new sound of your voice and other voices. If it is still bothering you after a week or more, consult with your hearing care professional who can make the necessary adjustments to your hearing aid.

You may experience a sensation of sound blockage when wearing a hearing aid. This feeling is called occlusion and occurs because the hearing aid is blocking the ear canal. Many hearing aid devices try to combat this by providing tiny built in air tunnels or vents. This feeling, however, will just take some getting used to and should pass within a week or so.

The hearing aid should fit comfortably in your ear. Depending on the type of earpiece, it will either fit over the ear, into the ear opening or down into the ear canal. While it may feel unnatural at first it should not cause any pain or discomfort. Your hearing aid professional can help you fit the earpiece properly and make the necessary adjustments.

Some people who wear hearing aids may experience feedback, a high-pitched whistling sound. Many things can cause feedback such as placing something close to your ear, laying your head on a pillow or hugging another person. This type of feedback is normal and will stop as soon as you change positions. However, the type of feedback that occurs while chewing or during routine head movements is not normal. Your hearing aid should be adjusted to eliminate this type of feedback.

Today's hearing aids have many programmable settings that can eliminate most of the bothersome side effects of wearing them. Your hearing care professional should spend time to help you get accustomed to your new hearing aid and to make the necessary adjustments.

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