For many individuals, hearing loss happens gradually over several years. This slow decline means that many everyday sounds disappear so subtly that they go unnoticed. When fitted with new hearing aids, the sudden return of these sounds can be both exciting and overwhelming. The restoration of these sounds is a journey of rediscovery that not only enhances auditory perception but also enriches the overall quality of life. Let's explore some of the surprising sounds that people often notice when they start using hearing aids and how they can adjust to this new auditory world.
The simple act of brushing or styling your hair can become an unexpected auditory experience. The swishing sound of hair moving or brushing against the hearing aid’s microphone can be startling at first. For those with long hair, this sound might be more pronounced, especially when tucking hair behind the ears.
The rustling of clothes can suddenly become quite loud. Fabrics like cotton can create a whooshing sound, while materials like corduroy or waterproof jackets can produce crinkling noises. The click of heels on the floor and the sound of clothes brushing against each other are everyday sounds that many people with new hearing aids need time to readjust to.
Now you realize why you couldn’t sneak up on the grandkids – you make much more sound than you could hear when walking!
Traffic noise, including the sounds of cars, trucks, and trains, can be surprising. These sounds, often ignored or unheard for years, can become prominent again. The brain learns to filter out these noises, making them less prominent.
It’s not uncommon for a client to suddenly notice the warning beeps in their car that had long faded away.
From the hum of a refrigerator to the buzz of an air conditioner, household appliances produce a symphony of sounds that often go unnoticed. With hearing aids, these background noises can initially seem pronounced but gradually blend into the ambient soundscape of home life.
It’s common for people to notice the clicking of hard drives and the computer mouse / keyboard again.
The ticking of a clock is a subtle sound that many people might not have heard for years. In a quiet room, this sound can be particularly noticeable. Over time, it becomes another background noise that fades from conscious awareness.
The birds chirping in morning is a common sound our clients mention that gets noticed.
Wind noise can also be particularly surprising as it enters the microphone of the hearing aid. Modern hearing aids are much better at minimizing this noise! Additionally, sounds of rain, hail, and even snow can become more pronounced.
Hearing your own voice through hearing aids can seem strange initially. Reading aloud can help in getting used to this new auditory effect!
Adjusting to a new auditory environment can take several months. Here are some tips to help with the transition:
Regular Wear: Wear your hearing aids regularly to help your brain adapt to the new sounds.
Quiet Time: Spend time in a quiet room and consciously listen to the different sounds around you. This can help in gradually getting used to them.
Adjust Settings: Learn about your hearing aids' settings and adjust them as needed for different environments.
List Sounds: Make a list of the sounds that are bothersome and work on getting used to them gradually and share with your audiologist.
Consult Your Audiologist: Regular appointments with your audiologist can help in fine-tuning your hearing aids for optimal comfort and performance.
Rediscovering the lost sounds with new hearing aids can be a delightful journey, bringing back the richness of the auditory world. By understanding what to expect and taking steps to adjust, new hearing aid users can significantly enhance their hearing experience and overall quality of life.
Please feel free to contact us by phone at (204) 788-1083 or use the form on this page.
Thank you for reading!
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