Should You Wear Hearing Aids All the Time?

If you wear hearing aids, you might be curious about how often you should wear them in order to receive the best results. The simple answer is: all day long.

Why Consistent Use Matters:

Your hearing aids are designed to be worn throughout your waking hours, with exceptions for sleeping, showering, or swimming, as most hearing aids are not waterproof. If you're new to hearing aids, it may be challenging to adjust to wearing them all the time. Initially, your hearing care provider may recommend wearing them for a few hours each day and gradually increasing the duration.

Also Read: The Importance of Wearing Hearing Aids All Day for Maximum Benefit

How Often Should You Wear Hearing Aids During the Day?

There isn't a specific number of hours that fits everyone, but experts agree that people who wear their hearing aids all through their waking hours tend to do better. Consistent use helps your brain adapt to the amplification system provided by the hearing aids. According to experts, the brain isn't good at trying to listen in two different ways—through the natural hearing loss and the amplified sound from hearing aids.

When you remove your hearing aids for prolonged periods, you may find it harder to hear when you put them back on. This happens because your brain gets used to the hearing aids and doesn't work as hard to compensate for the hearing loss as it did before. Essentially, the ear acts as a doorway to the brain, and keeping it partially closed during parts of the day can be detrimental.

Auditory Deprivation and Its Effects:

Most people with hearing loss struggle to hear sounds at different frequencies, usually higher ones. If left untreated, hearing loss can lead to auditory deprivation, where the brain forgets how to process certain words and sounds. This is similar to how a baby who doesn’t hear may struggle with speech and language development if they don't receive early auditory stimulation.

For adults, auditory deprivation means that sporadic use of hearing aids can lead to a decline in auditory processing abilities. When you take off your hearing aids for any length of time during the day, your brain adjusts to the new, quieter conditions, making it harder to hear when you put them back on. This can result in either increased effort to hear or withdrawal from communication, both of which negatively affect your ability to process sounds.

Also Read: The Power of Two: Why Two Hearing Aids Are Better Than One

Adapting to Consistent Hearing Aid Use

If you begin wearing your hearing aids again after a break and find the sound uncomfortable, give yourself some time to adjust. Your brain needs time to readjust to the amplified sounds. If you still have issues after a reasonable adjustment period, it's essential to consult with an audiologist or hearing instrument specialist. Your hearing needs can change over time, and an audiologist can reprogram your hearing aids to better suit your current needs and help motivate you to use your hearing aids full-time.

Wearing your hearing aids consistently throughout the day is essential for maintaining your hearing and cognitive health. Taking them off for extended periods can lead to auditory deprivation and increased difficulty in hearing and processing sounds. If you're struggling to adjust to full-time use, seek guidance from an audiologist who can make necessary adjustments to your hearing aids and provide support.

 Book a Free Hearing Test & Trial at Aanvii Hearing 

If you’ve noticed any changes in your hearing or are finding it challenging to wear your hearing aids consistently, schedule a free hearing test with Aanvii Hearing today. Our experts are here to help you maximize the benefits of your hearing aids and improve your overall quality of life. For more information call us at 96 5839 5839 or Mail us at customercare@aanviihearing.com.