How Many Hours a Day Should You Wear Hearing Aids?
Quick Answer
You should aim to wear hearing aids for most of the day—about 12-16 hours. But the exact time can depend on what you’re doing and how comfortable you are.
- Starting Out: Begin by wearing your hearing aids for about 2-4 hours on the first day. Increase this time by about an hour daily, working up to wearing them for most of your waking hours—usually between 12 to 16 hours a day. This gradual build-up helps your ears and brain adjust without getting overwhelmed.
- Comfort is Key: If they feel weird at first, that’s normal. Give it time, but if they hurt or you’re getting headaches, tell your audiologist. They might need to tweak things.
- Taking Breaks: If your ears are asking for a breather, listen to them. It’s okay to take the hearing aids out now and then, especially if you’re just chilling at home.
Introduction
Hearing aids are more than just gadgets; they help people with hearing loss hear better and communicate more effectively. But when you start using them, you might wonder how long you should wear them each day. There isn’t a simple answer because it depends on your personal needs and lifestyle. However, finding the right balance is key to getting the most out of your hearing aids without overdoing it. In this article, we’ll explore what experts say about daily wear time, share tips for adjusting to your hearing aids, and offer advice on keeping your ears healthy. Whether you’re new to hearing aids or looking to optimize your experience, we’ve got you covered with practical guidance for everyday use.
Setting Expectations for New Users
1. Get to Know Your Adjustment Period
The adjustment period for new hearing aid users varies, but it’s a crucial time when your brain is learning to recognize and interpret sounds again. This phase requires patience as you might experience a range of emotions and sensory feedback. It’s helpful to keep a diary during this period to note any changes in your hearing experience, which can be incredibly useful for follow-up visits with your audiologist. Remember, everyone’s journey is unique, and there’s no right or wrong timeline to adapt.
2. Begin with Shorter Wear Times
On your first day with hearing aids, aim to wear them for 2-4 hours. Gradually increase this time each day, adding an hour or so, until you’re comfortable wearing them throughout your waking hours. This gradual approach helps minimize overwhelming sensations and gives your auditory system time to adjust. It’s similar to how muscles need time to adapt to a new exercise regime without getting overstrained.
3. Be Aware of Common Early Discomforts
The initial discomfort with hearing aids can vary from physical irritation where the device sits in or on your ear, to auditory challenges like overly loud background noises or an unusual perception of your own voice, often described as “boomy” or “hollow.” To manage this, work closely with your audiologist to ensure your hearing aids are correctly fitted and that the volume levels are properly adjusted. Most importantly, give yourself permission to take breaks if you’re feeling fatigued, but try to extend the duration a little more each day.
4. Keep Going Despite the Discomfort
Consistency is key in getting used to your hearing aids. If they start feeling uncomfortable, remember that this is a temporary phase for most users. However, don’t ignore persistent pain or discomfort; consult your audiologist as adjustments may be needed. Over time, your brain will become better at filtering out unnecessary noise, and you’ll find conversations easier to follow. Engage in various listening environments to challenge and improve your hearing capabilities gradually.
How Long to Wear Hearing Aids Each Day
Experts suggest that wearing your hearing aids for around 12-16 hours every day is the sweet spot. This isn’t just to help you hear better right now—it’s also about teaching your brain to pick out important sounds and ignore the noise you don’t need to hear. Sticking to this schedule can make it easier for you to follow conversations and figure out where sounds are coming from, which makes using your hearing aids a much better experience.
What ‘Full-Time Use’ Means
Wearing your hearing aids all day long, pretty much the whole time you’re awake, is called ‘full-time use.’ Doing this can make it easier for you to talk to people and enjoy sounds naturally. Plus, you might find life more enjoyable because you’re more in tune with what’s happening around you and can join in on social stuff without trouble.
Why Regular Use Beats Wearing Them Now and Then
If you wear your hearing aids most of the time, you’ll likely get used to them faster. Your brain stays sharp at figuring out sounds, and you won’t be so thrown off by noise when you’re trying to listen to someone. People who only put their hearing aids in sometimes don’t tend to catch on as quickly, and it’s harder for their brains to deal with all the background noises.
How to Care for Your Ears While Using Hearing Aids
Long-term use of hearing aids is great for your hearing, but it’s important to also take care of your ear health. Your ears can get irritated or infected if they’re not looked after properly while using these devices.
Straightforward Ear Care Tips:
- Daily Cleaning: Each day, gently wipe your hearing aids with a soft, dry cloth. For deeper cleans, there are special wipes and sprays made for hearing aids.
- Ear Hygiene: Clean the outer part of your ears regularly with a damp cloth, but avoid putting anything inside the ear canal.
- Look After Ear Molds: If your hearing aids have them, clean the ear molds as instructed by the manual or your audiologist.
- Give Ears a Rest: When you’re at home and don’t need your hearing aids, take them out. This lets air circulate in your ear canal and reduces moisture.
How to Deal With Discomfort:
- Signs to Watch For: Keep an eye out for pain, more earwax than usual, or headaches that come from straining to hear.
- What to Do:
- Check the fit of your hearing aids; they might need adjusting.
- Try reducing how long you wear them and see if that helps.
- Ask about different styles of hearing aids that may be more comfortable.
- Stay in Touch with Your Audiologist: Regular appointments are important so any issues can be caught and fixed early on.
Final Thoughts
Hearing aids are there to help you tune into life’s soundtrack, so wearing them most of the day is ideal for staying connected. Gradually work them into your daily routine, adjusting settings as you go from quiet corners to bustling places to make sure you’re hearing at your best. If they start causing discomfort or feedback, a clean or a quick adjustment is usually all it takes—so keep that audiologist on speed dial. And don’t forget, if your ears need a little downtime, it’s perfectly okay to take a short break. Finding this balance will help you enjoy the benefits of your hearing aids without any extra stress.
