Embracing New Sounds
Have you recently embarked on the journey of improving your hearing with new hearing aids?
If so, you may have noticed an array of sounds that were previously silent to your ears.
From the gentle rustle of your hair to the subtle creaks of your house, these newfound noises can be both fascinating and, at times for some people, overwhelming.
Many of our clients have shared their experiences of encountering everyday noises in a whole new light.
Squeaky shoes, the sound of water running down the sink, and even the need to turn down the TV volume are just a few examples.
Some have chuckled at how loudly they eat (or horrified by how loudly their other half eats!), while others have found themselves taken aback by the noise of their own knees creaking or the rustling of a magazine page.
But why do these everyday sounds suddenly seem so pronounced? It all comes down to the remarkable adaptability of the human brain.
When you experience hearing loss, your brain becomes accustomed to not hearing certain sounds to focus on those that are most important for communication.
As a result, when you begin wearing hearing aids, your brain is suddenly bombarded with a plethora of new sounds that were previously muted or unnoticed.
While this adjustment period may feel overwhelming at first, rest assured that your brain is hard at work relearning how to process these sounds.
With time and patience, many of these once-invisible noises will gradually fade into the background as your brain learns to prioritise the sounds that matter most. You will simply “tune them out”.
However, if you find yourself struggling with certain noises or experiencing discomfort, it’s important to communicate with your audiologist.
They can help distinguish between normal sounds that may take some getting used to and those that may need adjustment.
During your regular check-ups, your audiologist can make fine-tuned adjustments to ensure that your hearing aids are providing optimal sound quality.
Additionally, many hearing aids now come equipped with companion apps that allow you to make minor adjustments yourself, providing greater flexibility and control over your listening experience.
Carol’s Story
To illustrate the importance of this adjustment period, let’s consider a client case:
Meet Carol, a vibrant retiree who recently received her first pair of hearing aids.
While initially thrilled with the clarity of sound they provided, Carol soon found herself struggling with the amplified noise of her toilet flushing!
Concerned that this newfound noise was distracting and uncomfortable, Carol contacted her audiologist (Trevor, in this case) for guidance.
With a few adjustments to the settings of her hearing aids, Trevor was able to soften the amplification of low-frequency sounds, effectively reducing the prominence of the toilet flush sound.
Through ongoing communication and fine-tuned adjustments, Carol was able to enjoy a comfortable transition to life with hearing aids.
At angli-EAR Hearing, we understand that adjusting to life with hearing aids can be a journey filled with new discoveries and occasional challenges.
That’s why we offer a comprehensive 30-day trial period, allowing you the time and support needed to fine-tune your hearing aids and ensure they are comfortable and suitable for your unique needs and lifestyle.
If you’re ready to experience the life-changing power of improved hearing, book an appointment with our experienced audiologists today.
Together, we’ll help you navigate the exciting world of sound and enjoy every moment with clarity and confidence.