After a school hearing test revealed Judith’s hearing loss when she was seven years old, she admits that she waited for three decades before doing something about it.  

“Nothing was done about the hearing loss. I did not get hearing aids until I was 37 years old. Far too long to go without hearing,” she acknowledges. 

If you’ve been putting off addressing your hearing loss, Judith’s story is a powerful reminder: Every year you wait is a year you miss out on the sounds and connections that make life meaningful.  

Hearing health is a journey that takes perseverance, but as Judith’s experience shows, the destination is worth every step. You deserve to reconnect with the world around you. 

The Reality of the "Brain Training" Phase 

When you first put on glasses, the world snaps into focus instantly. Hearing aids, Judith explains, are nothing like that.  

“Hearing aids are not like getting glasses for the first time,” she says. “Glasses you put on and, oh, you get to see things. Hearing aids are different. You have to work at getting the benefit of the aids.” 

You might expect to hear clearly right away, but your brain needs time to relearn how to process sounds it hasn’t heard in years. The adjustment period can be tough, and sometimes even overwhelming. 

Judith remembers her first days with hearing aids as challenging: “Hearing all those noises was awful. I had to teach my brain to only listen to important things. Like, who wants to listen to the refrigerator?”  

Suddenly, the world was filled with sounds she’d forgotten existed. The hum of appliances, the rustle of paper, distant traffic… all of it flooded in at once, and it was overwhelming to come to terms with. 

If you’re worried about being overstimulated, know that the sudden onslaught of new sound does, eventually, fade back into the background. Your brain is incredibly adaptable, and with time you’ll learn to tune out the noise and focus on what matters most. 

Judith is candid about the effort that requires: “It is hard work to get accustomed to hearing aids, but worth it.”  

You might struggle at first, as Judith did, but your determination will pay off. Every day you stick with your hearing aids, you’re retraining your brain and reclaiming your connection to the world. 

Professional Support for the Long Haul 

Because adjusting to hearing aids is a significant process, you shouldn’t have to do it alone. By partnering with us, you benefit from a team that understands the “work” involved and is committed to guiding you every step of the way.  

Even after years of wearing hearing aids, Judith still trusts in our expert team for her care. You can rest assured that when you walk through our doors, you’ll be met with respect, understanding, and expertise. 

“Everyone was professional and friendly,” she enthuses.   

Whether you’re new to hearing aids or have been wearing them for years, you’ll find the support you need to make the transition manageable and successful. 

Judith’s commitment is inspiring, as she wears her hearing aids between 12 and 15 hours a day. This kind of dedication is what allows you to truly reap the benefits of better hearing.  

When you put in the effort, you set yourself up for a richer, more connected life, just like Judith enjoys now. 

From "Awful Noises" to "Best Friend" 

The transformation in Judith’s life is nothing short of remarkable. What started as a source of discomfort has become an essential part of her daily life. 

She says, “Hearing aids have made such a great difference in my life. I would not be without them.”  

Over time, the “awful” noises faded into the background, and her hearing aids became her “best friend.” Judith’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, as her determination to stay present for her friends and family is what fueled her success. 

You, too, can experience this transformation. With patience and persistence, your hearing aids will shift from being a challenge to being a lifeline, connecting you to conversations, laughter, music, and all the sounds that make life vibrant. 

Every step you take, no matter how small, brings you closer to a fuller, more engaged life. 

A Plea to Rejoin the World 

Judith’s message is urgent and heartfelt: “If you have a hearing loss, you are missing out on life. Please get hearing aids for yourself and your friends and family. Hearing aids can be your best friend if you learn how to use them.” 

Hearing aids aren’t just devices; they’re how you build a relationship with the world. With perseverance and support from our expert team, you can stop missing out and start living fully.  

You deserve to hear everything life has to offer, and our team is here to help you, every step of the way! 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) 

Q: Why does it take time to adjust to hearing aids? 
A: Unlike glasses, which provide instant visual clarity, hearing aids require your brain to relearn how to process sounds. After years of hearing loss, your brain forgets how to filter out background noise. The initial adjustment period can be overwhelming, but with patience and daily use, your brain adapts and you learn to focus on important sounds. 

Q: What if I find the new sounds overwhelming or even unpleasant? 
A: This is a common experience, especially if you’ve gone a long time without hearing certain noises. But with time, support, and guidance, you’ll find the world of sound becomes more manageable and enjoyable. 

Q: How can I make the most of my hearing aids? 
A: Consistency is key. You benefit most when you commit to daily use and seek professional support for adjustments and questions. Remember, hearing aids involve a partnership between you, your brain, and your hearing care team. 

Source 

Cleveland Clinic: Struggling to get used to your new devices? Check out these six tips to better adapt to your hearing aids.