Buying new hearing aids can be stressful because the last thing you want is to feel them once you're wearing them. You want to be able to hear everything you need to hear and forget about the device. But before they become natural and an integral part of your daily life, you first need to get used to them. We have put together these 7 tips to make the transition to your new hearing aids as smooth as possible.
1. First and foremost, find the right fit
Before even turning on your new CLARIA hearing aids, insert the device into your ear canal to find the correct positioning. Test the different sizes of tips and choose the one that ensures a perfect seal when the device is in place. Don't hesitate to rotate or slightly move the device in the ear canal until you find the most comfortable position. This will give you the ideal fit before you address sound adjustment, which will limit whistling and irritation.
For some customers with narrow ear canals, our original Atom series may prove too bulky for a comfortable fit; in that case, we recommend switching to the even more compact Atom 2 series.
2. Adjust the volume to the right level
Once you have found the right fit, you can look for the volume level that suits you. We advise starting by setting the volume to only about 10%, i.e., very close to the minimum setting.
Using the adjustment tool provided in your box, turn the volume dial counter-clockwise to a low level. Then turn on the device and insert it into your ear. Proceeding this way at low volume reduces the whistling (which can occur during insertion) and offers you a simple and safe way to find the volume that suits you. Listen to the sounds around you, test several types of sources (music, speech, television), and judge whether the amplification is sufficient or if you want to turn up the volume.
Once you have found the ideal volume, you will practically never need to touch it again!
3. Insert your hearing aids carefully to avoid whistling and feedback
Many users hear whistling and feedback when inserting their hearing aids. This most often comes from the volume being set too high: finding an appropriate sound level, as explained in tip #2, is therefore essential for inserting the device safely.
Furthermore, when inserting, clearly identify the microphone and be careful not to apply pressure to it. If you insert the device at the right volume level and without pressing on the microphone, you should greatly reduce, if not completely eliminate, feedback and whistling.
4. Only wear them for a few hours a day (at the beginning)
Many think that once they have found the right hearing aid, they can wear it immediately, all day, every day. The reality is that even with a perfectly fitted device, you have to go gradually. Your ears need time to get used to the physical sensation of wearing them, and your brain needs time to learn how to process these new sounds. This is why it is important to start by wearing your hearing aids for only a few hours a day, in order to adapt gently.
5. Expect a little frustration at first
Going from no device at all to regular use of an in-ear device is not a trivial change. Expect slight discomfort at the start, while your ears get used to the sensation. Minor skin irritation is possible in the first few days, but it will subside as the skin in your ear canals gets accustomed to the presence of the device.
6. Don't hesitate to ask for help
Getting started with hearing aids is not simple. You can sometimes feel alone, or feel like you have no one to turn to on your journey to better hearing. At CLARIA, we want you to feel that we are by your side at every step — and we truly are.
If you encounter the slightest problem with your device, if you have a question or need anything at all, our wonderful support team is here to help you. Visit the CLARIA Support Center to consult the FAQ and our resources, or to contact us via chat. You can also email us at support@claria.com or call 205-255-1112 to reach our phone team.
7. Gradually increase the wearing time and keep using them
The hardest part about getting used to new hearing aids? Keeping on wearing them! Many people say they got annoyed by minor inconveniences or simply lost motivation. We want to encourage you to stay true to your goal: to hear better. And, as we explained to you, getting used to hearing aids takes time. That is why we recommend a steady approach: start slowly, then gradually increase the wearing time.
The first week, wear them 1 to 2 hours per day. Weeks 1 to 2, wear them 3 to 4 hours per day. And after 3 to 4 weeks, you should be able to wear them all day!
Once you reach this milestone, be consistent. Your ears and brain are now used to daily wear, and if you stick with it, you will inevitably be more present with your loved ones, and simply happier and healthier.
At CLARIA, our #1 mission is to make hearing accessible to everyone.
So give your new hearing aids a chance! If you follow the steps above, we are confident that you will find a device that you will love and wear all the time!
