How do I perform a listening exercise, and what are they?

Everybody has an adjustment period for using new hearing aids (especially if you’re switching from zero or infrequent usage to regular use). For example, sometimes when adjusting to hearing aids, the tight seal of the device in your ear can make sounds sound “boomy” or “muffled”. Or, it can make sounds feel “hollow”, like you’re hearing an echo– especially when chewing, talking, or swallowing. Maybe these sounds also feel louder than normal. If this is happening, know that it is a common part of hearing aid adjustments.

To help your brain adjust faster (and make your hearing journey more successful), try the following exercises:

Step 1: Read aloud to yourself

Pay attention to how your voice sounds and notice any changes as you practice.

Step 2: Play music

Choose a song that makes you happy, and try to focus on each instrument, like the guitar, drums, or vocals, to get used to hearing the different sounds separately. These exercises can help your brain adjust to the new way sound is amplified, making any discomfort feel less noticeable over time.

We recommend repeating this exercise a few times daily for a few days– this should help accelerate the success of your hearing journey (and give you some additional happiness along the way!).

How do I perform a listening exercise, and what are they?Updated 2 months ago