If you’ve just started wearing hearing aids, and they seem a bit uncomfortable, it is likely no reason to be concerned.
Most people will go through an initial adjustment phase where they need to get used to wearing hearing aids.
For those who feel their hearing aids were once a nice fit, but they have now become a nuisance – they should speak with a professional hearing specialist or dispenser to determine why their hearing aids have suddenly become uncomfortable.
3 Reasons why hearing aids may cause discomfort
1. Adjusting to wearing hearing aids
Similar to other prosthetic devices like dentures and even eyeglasses, there is a normal period in the beginning when the wearer will feel awkward or uncomfortable.
It can take up to four months to adjust to wearing hearing aids. This includes adjusting to the improved sound quality and adjusting to how the hearing aids feel.
Be patient if you’re feeling slight physical discomfort when first wearing hearing aids. But, if you feel irritation associated with pain, then you should talk with the provider that supplied the hearing aids.
Pain while wearing hearing aids can be due to the hearing aids pressing against a ridge or bump in the ear.
Prolonged pressure on a sensitive point can cause pain.
2. Buying cheap hearing aid devices online
People who purchase hearing aids online are most susceptible to complaining of discomfort. Your hearing aids are an investment that should last from four to six years.
Budget-priced hearing aids, especially those manufactured overseas, may contain material that you may be allergic to. This can cause skin irritation and make wearing your hearing aids very uncomfortable.
Also, hearing aids purchased online means you don’t get fitted for the hearing aids.
There are many models of hearing aid devices.
An audiologist or trained dispenser can help you select the best style for your ear shape and size.
3. The importance of a hearing aid fitting
Hearing aids are designed to fit comfortably with the ear. If the fit feels wrong, then you definitely want to talk with your hearing specialist about it.
As part of your hearing aid exam and purchase, your provider should demonstrate the right way to put the hearing aids in the ear, how to wear the devices, and how to keep them properly cleaned and maintained.
If you didn’t get a professional fitting where you purchased your hearing aids, the likelihood that they will be uncomfortable is greater.
During a hearing aid fitting, not only is the correct device selected to fit your ears, the right amount of sound amplification is established to maximize hearing benefits.
Just as the cost of your hearing aids will increase with greater levels of technology, your comfort should also increase when a higher quality device is chosen.
As you become accustomed to wearing your hearing aids, and you’ve made the adjustment to how hearing aids feel in the ear, similar to wearing eyeglasses or dentures, they should naturally feel more comfortable.
If you or a loved one is having a hard time adjusting to your new device, please contact Preferred Hearing Centers, where a friendly team is ready to discuss how we can help.
