How to Adjust to New Hearing Aids: A Lakewood Resident’s Guide

Getting new hearing aids is a significant step toward reconnecting with the sounds you’ve been missing, whether it’s the chirping of birds at Belmar Park or the chatter of friends at The French Press in downtown Lakewood. However, it’s also a process that requires patience and intentional effort. Properly adjusting to your hearing aids can make all the difference in improving your quality of life and ensuring your investment pays off.

For Lakewood residents new to hearing aids, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about adjusting to your devices, managing expectations, and accessing local resources to make the process as smooth as possible.

Start with Realistic Expectations

Hearing aids are not a cure for hearing loss; they are a tool to enhance your ability to hear and communicate. It’s important to set realistic expectations as you adapt to them. At first, everyday sounds—like the rustling of leaves at Addenbrooke Park or the hum of traffic on Wadsworth Boulevard—may seem unnaturally loud or sharp. This is normal and will improve as your brain adjusts to processing sounds it hasn’t heard in a while.

Wear Your Hearing Aids Consistently

Consistency is key to successful adjustment. While it may be tempting to remove your hearing aids when they feel overwhelming, it’s important to wear them for several hours each day, gradually increasing the duration over time.

Tips for Lakewood Residents:

• If you’re planning a walk at Bear Creek Greenbelt, wear your hearing aids to practice distinguishing natural sounds like running water and birdsong.
• Try wearing them during quiet moments at home in Lakewood to get accustomed to subtle background sounds.

Practice Listening in Different Environments

Lakewood offers a variety of environments to help you practice adjusting to different levels of sound. Begin with quieter settings and gradually introduce more complex soundscapes.

Suggestions for Practice Locations:

• Quiet Settings: Start by visiting the Lakewood Public Library, where you can practice following conversations in a controlled, low-noise environment.
• Moderate Noise Settings: Spend time at Belmar Shopping District to adapt to a mix of background noise and conversation.
• Louder Environments: When you feel ready, try attending a community event at the Lakewood Heritage Center to challenge your ability to focus on specific sounds in busier environments.

Take Advantage of Local Audiology Services

Your audiologist is your partner in this process. At Modern Audiology Lakewood, our team provides personalized follow-up care to help you fine-tune your hearing aids as you adjust. Regular check-ins allow adjustments to fit, sound quality, and volume to ensure your devices meet your needs.

If you experience any discomfort, feedback (whistling sounds), or difficulty understanding conversations, don’t hesitate to contact us. Many issues can be resolved with a simple adjustment or additional counseling.

Learn to Care for Your Hearing Aids

Proper care ensures your hearing aids perform optimally as you adjust. Cleaning them regularly and handling them with care will also minimize the likelihood of repairs or malfunctions.

Lakewood-Specific Tip:

Colorado’s dry climate can cause debris and wax to accumulate more quickly in hearing aids. Use a soft brush or cleaning tool to remove buildup daily, and store your hearing aids in a protective case when not in use. Visit Modern Audiology Lakewood for professional cleaning or troubleshooting if needed.

Use Local Support Resources

Adjusting to hearing aids can be an emotional journey, especially if you’ve been living with untreated hearing loss for years. Lakewood offers several resources to help you navigate this adjustment:

• Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA) Denver Chapter: Attend local meetings or workshops to connect with others who understand your experience.
• Belmar Library Workshops: Check their event schedule for group discussions or resources on hearing health.
• Local Audiology Services: Modern Audiology offers resources tailored specifically to Lakewood residents, including counseling and community education on hearing aid use.

Adjusting to Hearing Aids: A New Chapter

Adjusting to hearing aids is a journey that opens the door to reconnecting with your surroundings, loved ones, and the vibrant community of Lakewood. By practicing in diverse environments, seeking support from local resources, and working closely with your audiologist, you’ll soon feel comfortable and confident in your new hearing aids.

If you’re ready to take the next step in your hearing health journey, schedule an appointment at Modern Audiology Lakewood today. Our team is here to guide you every step of the way as you adapt to your hearing aids and embrace life’s sounds again.