Many people are excited to receive their new hearing aids. They want to be able to hear clearly again, and they know this is what will do it. But it doesn’t always happen right away. Your brain has probably been missing the high-frequency sounds around you for some time, and it needs a little while to get used to those sounds again. It takes time, commitment, a little knowledge and a lot of patience to adapt to your new hearing aids.

When you first get your hearing aids, wear them 8 to 10 hours per day to train your brain to get used to them. Listening to books on tape is a great way to practice hearing and understanding with your new hearing aids. The first few weeks can be tiring, so rest when you need to, then start again. But stick with it, because the payoff is huge.