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What
to expect from Wearing a Hearing Aid
The
sound of your own voice
Often, the first thing you might notice with new hearing aids
is the difference in the quality or loudness of your own voice.
This can be rather distracting at first, as the way you hear your
own voice through the new instruments will change.
You
will gradually get used to the 'new' sound of both your own voice
and other voices. However, if you still find the sound distracting
after a week or so, call your hearing care professional, or discuss
it at your next appointment. Usually, adjustments in the programming
of the hearing aid will help.
Sound
blockage or 'Occlusion'
Your hearing aid or earmold is a physical object that occupies
space in your ear canal. The sensation of having something in
your ear which blocks the sound is referred to as 'occlusion-effect'.
Your
friends and family can get an idea of what you might be experiencing
by putting a finger into each ear canal. When you block your ear
canal, you will experience a 'plugged up' feeling. Often, it takes
a few days to adjust to this.
Many
hearing aids and earmolds have a built-in vent or small tunnel
that allows air in and out of your ear. This combats occlusion.
Often, the programming or physical fit of your hearing aids might
need to be adjusted to lessen occlusion.
Each person's ear anatomy and perception is different, so it is
important to discuss the situation with your hearing care professional
to find the best solution if occlusion is a problem for you.
Living
with feedback
Feedback
occurs when the amplified sound re-enters the hearing aid and
is re-amplified. Typically, it sounds like a high-pitched whistling
tone, the loudness and pitch of which can vary.
Feedback
is often an integral part of life with hearing aids. Your instruments
may whistle if you turn them on while inserting them into your
ears; when slipping clothing on or off over your head; when wearing
a wide-brimmed hat; when laying your head on a pillow; or when
you are hugging another person.
Normal
and abnormal feedback
Whenever you put your hand closely to your ear, you might also
experience feedback. These instances - while perhaps a bit alarming
at first - are 'normal'. But if feedback occurs after your hearing
aids are placed correctly in your ear, as a result of head movement
or normal chewing, this would be considered unacceptable and can
typically be corrected by your hearing care professional.
The
sensation of wind
You might be surprised to hear the noise of the wind in your hearing
aids when outdoors, such as on a golf course or when strolling
along a beach. This is natural, because the wind comes into contact
with your microphone. Today's hearing aids are built to minimize
wind noise as much as possible.
This
article courtesy of Oticon
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