For example, the word "cat" may sound like "bat". Fortunately, these concerns generally diminish within the first month of hearing aid use.

Hearing Loss

The first thing you must get reaccustomed to is living again with the continuous noises in your environment. This "auditory shock" caused by the flood of sounds, noises and voices which suddenly break into your consciousness after having not been heard for years is much like the first impact of direct sunlight on a person who has lived in a dungeon. You must learn to associate sounds, ideas and relearn the meaning of various noises. At first, you may find it difficult to separate the important from the unimportant sounds.

You will be required to become accustomed to your improved listening ability. This ability to hear and then to associate the sound with meaning, usually increases with practice.

You will go through an adjustment period in wearing hearing aids. Your hearing aids dispenser should have the patience and skill to help you through this as you become accustomed to wearing your hearing aids. Here are some suggestions which may make this period easier for you.

1. Begin with a comfortable volume level

At first, keep the volume controls set to levels that feel comfortable to you, even if you miss some what is being said. As you adjust to using the aids you can gradually increase these volume control levels.

2. Begin with easier hearing challenges

Remember, the greatest benefit comes in relatively quiet surroundings and with one other talker. Treat yourself to easy listening during the first few days or weeks. Don't be discouraged if at first you cannot understand soft voices or hear a conversation perfectly in a noisy room.

3. Don't overtire yourself

If the hearing aids begin to make you feel nervous or tired, turn them off or remove them. In a few weeks you probably will be able to wear them from morning until night without fatigue or nervousness.

4. Re-learn the art of concentration

Because of your hearing impairment, you may have forgotten how to concentrate on what you hear.

Be alert. Make conscious effort to pay close attention to conversations, to music, to the quality of the sounds that you now hear. you will soon find that you are coming closer to the world around you.

5. If your loss is mild, or sudden

You may be pleased with your hearing aids from the very beginning. Suddenly, listening is easy again, and your fear of gradually being shut off from the world is relieved. The adjustment period may last only a few hours.

6. If your loss is more severe and gradual

The absence of sound may have become familiar part of your everyday world. The return of all the noises constantly surrounding you - sounds you have forgotten - can be a confusing experience, and may of the specific sounds may seem meaningless. In fact, the more gradual the loss of hearing has been, the more unpleasant and shocking it may sound.

A period of readjustment is necessary. If you have been long without hearing, don't be surprised at what happens the first time you're confronted with the busy noises of daily life. Typewriters may sound like machine gun. As you walk across the floor, the unfamiliar sound of your own footsteps may be startling.

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