Outcomes to expect from your hearing aids
Hearing aid outcomes can differ depending on your type and extent of hearing loss, the style and technology inside the device and the regularity in which you wear the device.
As with any health treatment, the length of time taken to acclimatise to new hearing aids varies from person to person.
For some, the additional sound and physical sensation of new hearing aids in / behind ears is not a problem from the day of being fitted. For others, acclimatisation can be a process.
Although it can take up to 4 to 6 months to fully acclimatise to new hearing aids, by far the majority of acclimatisation happens in the first few days. The key recommendation is extensive use and persistence in those early few days after fitting. The more hearing aids are worn, the quicker the acclimatisation process will be.
Acclimatisation to new hearing aids is discussed in detail at the fitting appointment and, if required, subsequent appointments.
To get the most out of your new device, it’s also important to be an active participant in your ongoing care and maintenance. At Mackay Hearing, we take the time to fully explain what to expect with hearing aids and the best way for you to get the most out of them.
Outcomes you can expect from regularly wearing hearing aids:
- fit and comfort: hearing aids should fit well behind and / or in your ears and be comfortable and secure
- improved ability to hear speech more clearly both in quiet environments and in background noise. You will also likely notice that environmental sounds (eg. footsteps, keys jingling, car indicator, paper shuffling) is more noticeable and clearer
- more energy when interacting with people and better memory: people with untreated hearing loss spend a significant amount of mental energy filling in the gaps of what they have heard – leading to reduced understanding and memory and increased fatigue. With improved hearing from hearing aids, more mental energy is available to understand and retain the message
- alertness: your device will enable you to hear alarms, traffic, telephones, doorbells and other important signals
- more active, more confident and better relationships: you will feel confident to take part in social situations again; your connectedness with others will improve without the frustration of a communication impairment
- improved mental health: improved hearing can reduce isolation, depression, anxiety, feelings of paranoia, social phobias and self-criticism
If your hearing aids aren’t delivering the expected outcomes – contact us! Many issues can be rectified by a quick clean, component change or adjustment of acoustic settings. If there is an internal issue with the device – we will let you know how it can be fixed.
The most important factor determining the level of success achieved with hearing aids is your level of motivation – to wear the devices regularly, attend follow-up and review appointments and let us know if there are issues.
If you would like further information or wish to make an appointment, please contact our friendly local staff directly on (07) 4952 4649, email us at listening@mackayhearing.com.au, or leave us a message on our website.