Introduction
People having hearing issues can improve their auditory experience and enhance the quality of life by wearing a hearing aid. At the initial stage, it seems to be difficult to adjust to the hearing device. It is a common question for users how many hours they should wear their hearing aids in a day to get the best service. This blog article focuses on the recommended wear time of hearing aids, the benefits of consistent use of hearing aids, and how to adjust listening devices.
If you have recently been fitted with hearing aids and are getting confused about the wearing time of hearing aids, then this blog can help you with all the guidelines and recommend the best time and way to become used to your new hearing device.
How long should you wear a hearing aid?
The ideal wearing time of listening devices depends on the needs and preferences of an individual. Several factors have an important role in determining how long you need to wear a hearing aid. Usually, health care providers recommend using hearing aids for at least 8 hours a day to utilise the advantages of electronic hearing aids.
Factors influencing wearing time
The following factors need to be assessed before setting a specific time to wear a hearing aid.
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Lifestyle
Your daily activities as well as your routine play a crucial role in determining the best wearing time of your hearing machine. If you spend most of your time in crowded places such as busy roads or an office, then you must wear a hearing aid for a long time to communicate properly and to stay aware of your surroundings.
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Range of hearing loss
The range of your hearing loss needs to be assessed to know how long you should wear a hearing aid. If you are suffering from severe hearing loss, you need to use a hearing aid consistently throughout the day. In mild to moderate hearing loss, hearing aids should be used during walking hours or in workplaces to stay engaged in social conversations.
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Adaptation and comfort
If you are a new user of a hearing aid, you need to be patient for a few days to get accustomed to the hearing device. In the initial period, you can use the device for a shorter time and then gradually increase the wearing time till you become comfortable with it. The adaptation time helps the brain adjust to the new auditory stimuli.
Benefits of using a hearing aid for a long time
According to the Clinical Practice Guidance of BSA(British Society of Audiology), “Prompt and proactive follow-up and coaching are key factors in hearing aid success.” Wearing electronic hearing aids for an adequate time provides several benefits:
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Improve adaptation
Extended wearing time leads to the easy adaptation of the amplified sound through the brain. The brain requires constant auditory input to process sound properly. You can also use it for a short time by using it all day. Adaptation will facilitate seamless as well as natural listening experience.
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Improve speech comprehension
By exposing your brain to clearer speech constantly, you can be able to hear better sound even in noisy places.
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Enhance communication
Wearing hearing aids regularly is essential as it helps to enhance the hearing capacity. So, participating in social conversation, engaging in interaction over the phone becomes easier. The improved communication skills help boost your confidence.
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Better sound quality
By consistent use, you cannot only be able to understand speech better than before but also you can listen to more details in sounds.
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Support cognitive function
Extended use of hearing aids may lead to slow cognitive decline, which is associated with untreated hearing loss.
How many hours does a hearing aid charge last?
A fully charged hearing aid can work for 18 to 30 hours, which is enough for extended use. Some new hearing aids have a quick charge feature, which can work for several hours after a charge for only 30 minutes.
Side effects of wearing a hearing aid?
The experience with a hearing devices varies from person to person. Some people find it an essential tool and an integral part of their life; on the other hand, it is quite intolerable to wear. The potential side effects need to be kept in mind if you are going to use a hearing aid.
The effects of hearing aids depends on the type of hearing aid you are using. The probable issues are discussed here.
- Fitting issue
A poorly fitted hearing aid can cause pressure, soreness, and irritation if your hearing aid is too loose or too tight.
- Sensitivity
Some users may be sensitive to material and can experience allergic problems.
- Headache
Hearing aids take time to adjust, and in this initial stage, patients may suffer from headaches and discomfort.
What should be avoided while wearing a hearing aid?
You should take some precautions to increase the lifespan of your hearing devices.
- Showering: You should not put on your hearing aid while bathing, unless you use a waterproof hearing aid. Water can damage hearing aids.
- Sleeping: You should take off your hearing aids when you sleep.
- Swimming: You should avoid wearing a hearing aid while swimming.
Why is consistent use important?
Wearing hearing devices consistently has a significant role in providing a seamless hearing experience. The importance is as follows:
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Preserve auditory skills
Consistent use of hearing aids enhances the ability to understand the minor differences in sound. Listening capacity can be developed by this regular practice.
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Brain adaptation
The auditory cortex of your brain needs time to adjust to the amplified sound. Adequate wearing time makes it easy for the brain. It is quite challenging to adjust to the sound while wearing a hearing aid. The unfamiliar sound needs time to get used to.
Get maximum benefits the more time you wear hearing aids, the more you can stay connected with your family and friends. You can improve the overall quality of life through your hearing devices.
How often does a hearing aid need to be cleaned?
The frequency of cleaning hearing machines depends on the lifestyle of an individual. You need to clean your hearing aids regularly with a soft cloth to remove dirt, debris, and sweat. If you go outside, then you must clean your hearing aids daily. If you stay at home most of the time, then you can clean weekly. Your hearing aids need a professional cleaning every 3 to 6 months.
Will quitting wearing your hearing aid affect your normal hearing?
If you are experiencing hearing issues and are not using hearing aids, it can be detrimental to your hearing health. Stopping the use of hearing aids may affect your ability to understand speech. It is also harmful for the brain, as it cannot receive the necessary input, and thus, the ability to process sound can decline.
How long does it take for your brain to adjust to hearing aid?
It usually takes several weeks or months for the brain to adjust to hearing machines. In a research by Johns Hopkins expert Frank Lin, M.D., Ph.D found that mild hearing difficulty is associated with dementia. Hearing is not just a function of the ears; it also involves the brain. It becomes clear that mental fatigue or “cognitive load” and the type of subconscious multitasking contribute to the fact that hearing loss can increase the risk of your risk of falls. According to the clinical guidelines of the AIHHP(2022), “full-day use (8-12 hours) delivers the most benefit in terms of clarity, comfort, and cognitive ease.
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Initial adjustment
Putting on your hearing aids restores the ability to listen to sounds clearly that your brain has not heard for a long time. Your brain needs time to relearn these sounds so it is normal to hear some sounds that seem to be too loud at the initial stage.
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Continue adaptation
As per a study by BSHAA, “The more consistent the use of hearing aids, the faster and more effective the brain’s adaptation process.” Our brain gradually learns to process the new sound.
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Professional support
Regular checkups are essential to adjust the hearing device properly and to avoid any risk during the adjustment period. Audiologists can recommend the best way to get accustomed to your hearing machines.
If you are a new user of hearing devices and seek professional guidance to know the best use, you can contact us at Aural Care, one of the most experienced and trusted hearing aid providers in Kolkata. Our team of professionals not only provides you with the proper guidance about the use of electronic hearing devices but also suggests the best way to take care of your hearing device. You can get here the latest technology-based, high-quality hearing aids and advanced tests to assess your hearing health.
Conclusion
It is normal that a specific time is needed to become habituated to your new hearing aid. The wearing time depends on your hearing loss level and preferences. It is recommended to wear hearing aids for a long time as consistent use trains your brain to adapt to amplified sounds. There are several benefits of using a hearing machine all day; on the other hand, it has many limitations. To utilise the full potential of your hearing devices by wearing them throughout the day, as it provides a natural sound experience.
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