- Beyond improving auditory experiences, hearing aids have been proven to significantly enhance your well-being, improving key areas such as sleep, balance, and memory.
- We generally recommend wearing hearing aids as often as possible throughout the day — the more consistently you wear these devices, the greater the benefits.
- It’s completely okay to take short breaks from wearing hearing aids. But if you’re looking to take a more prolonged break, it’s best to consult with your audiologist, as hearing loss that goes untreated can lead to greater issues.
- If you’re curious about the state of your hearing health, the Ear360 hearing assessment is your best next step. Want to learn more? Feel free to reach out via 0800 737 662 or enquire online.
Why wear your hearing aids all day?
Beyond dramatically improving auditory experiences, hearing aids have also been proven to enhance the well-being of those with hearing loss, improving key areas such as sleep, balance, and memory. The potential benefits are extensive, but they don’t come about quickly. As with most good things, they take time — and, more importantly, consistency.
Key benefits of wearing hearing aids every day:
- Enhanced auditory experience
- Greater confidence in conversations
- Stronger sense of independence
- Potential improvements in quality of sleep, balance, and memory
- Increased brain activity, potentially reducing cognitive decline
Hearing aids play a transformative role in enhancing the lives of people with hearing loss. Beyond merely improving auditory capabilities, these clever devices can lead to significant improvements in your health and general well-being.
Adjusting to hearing aids is not a quick process, as it involves getting used to the fit as well as your new hearing abilities. As a general indication, it could take a matter of days or months — it all depends on the person and their unique hearing needs.
How many hours a day should you wear hearing aids?
So, to get the most out of your hearing aids, we generally recommend wearing them as much as possible throughout the day. This doesn’t mean you can’t have breaks. In fact, we encourage you to take a moment when needed! But for the most part, it’s good to wear them when you can.
However, if you’re new to wearing hearing aids, it’s okay to gradually increase wear. This might look like starting with an hour on day one and slowly increasing the time as the devices become more comfortable. Many people find it easy to adjust in a matter of days, but others can require months to get used to the sensations. For this reason, it’s best to stay connected with your audiologist over the adjustment period, as they’ll help you prepare for daily wear.
Hearing aids aren’t meant to be worn all of the time. For instance, they shouldn’t be worn while sleeping, showering, or swimming. However, we do recommend wearing them as much as possible throughout the day.
What could happen if someone doesn't wear their hearing aid?
When hearing loss goes unaddressed, it can lead to greater issues than difficulty with hearing. Our ears are deeply connected to our overall well-being, influencing varying aspects of our health, such as our confidence, cognitive function, and physical abilities.
For those who usually wear hearing aids but want to stop/take a prolonged break, it’s best to consult with your audiologist first. They’ll be able to advise on the potential impacts and help you determine the best solution for you. A 2013 study revealed that a common reason for people to stop wearing hearing aids is poor hearing aid performance or comfort — two aspects that can easily be fixed. Although, on occasion, a more comprehensive evaluation may be required.
A lack of wearing them could worsen the risks of depression
In 2014, researchers from the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) found a clear link between hearing loss and depression in adults. The connection has been widely studied, with many results pointing to the social implications of hearing loss as key catalysts in deteriorating mental health.
Ultimately, these findings highlight the importance of our hearing health and the prevailing need for better, more accessible care in the industry. This need for change is one of the main reasons why Resonate exists today. It’s our ambition to give everyone in New Zealand equal access to premium hearing care, recognising that proactive measures and inclusive services can significantly contribute to the overall well-being of individuals with hearing loss.
Neglecting to use a hearing aid when it’s necessary can lead to a cascade of challenges. Beyond the immediate impact on auditory function, you might be looking at heightened difficulty with communication, strained relationships, and increased risk of mental health issues.
If you think that you or a loved one might need hearing aids, it’s best to consult with your local audiologist. Seeking professional advice can pave the way for timely intervention and the restoration of a more fulfilling life.
The timeline for experiencing improvements varies from person to person. While some may notice positive changes in a few weeks, others may take a bit longer. Consistency is key, as the brain gradually adapts to amplified sounds, leading to an enhanced auditory experience and subsequent benefits.
Speak with an audiologist today!
If you’re curious about the state of your hearing health, the Ear360 hearing assessment is your best next step. By assessing ten key areas of your health, our advanced hearing health map explores everything you need to know, exploring the bigger picture of your well-being.
You can book the Ear360 at any one of our studios across New Zealand or simply get in touch to chat with an audiologist. We’re here to help you take control of your hearing health, one step at a time. Feel free to reach out via 0800 737 662 or enquire online today!
Neglecting to use a hearing aid when it’s necessary can lead to a cascade of challenges. Beyond the immediate impact on auditory function, you might be looking at heightened difficulty with communication, strained relationships, and increased risk of mental health issues.
If you think that you or a loved one might need hearing aids, it’s best to consult with your local audiologist. Seeking professional advice can pave the way for timely intervention and the restoration of a more fulfilling life.
The timeline for experiencing improvements varies from person to person. While some may notice positive changes in a few weeks, others may take a bit longer. Consistency is key, as the brain gradually adapts to amplified sounds, leading to an enhanced auditory experience and subsequent benefits.