Don’t Leave Your Hearing Aids in a Drawer—Make Them Work for You!

Hearing aids are designed to improve quality of life by enhancing communication and reconnecting individuals with the sounds they’ve been missing. Yet many people give up on their hearing aids and leave them sitting in a drawer, unused. Whether due to discomfort, frustration, or unrealistic expectations, too many individuals abandon a device that could significantly benefit their daily life.

One of the most common reasons people stop wearing their hearing aids is difficulty adjusting to the new sounds. After years of gradual hearing loss, suddenly regaining access to a full range of sounds can feel overwhelming. Understand that the brain needs time to adapt to processing these sounds again. Gradually increasing wear time and working with a hearing professional to make adjustments can ease the transition.

Another reason hearing aids often go unused is poor fit or discomfort. If the device is causing irritation, slipping out of place, or feeling unnatural, it needs an adjustment. A properly fitted hearing aid should feel comfortable and secure; consulting with an audiologist can ensure the right fit.

Understand that unlike putting on a pair of glasses and instantly seeing clearly, hearing aids require a period of adjustment. Voices may sound different, and distinguishing speech from background noise may take practice. Training the brain to process sounds more effectively takes time, but consistent use and patience lead to significant improvements.

Hearing aids work best when worn regularly and maintained properly. Regular check-ups, cleaning, and adjustments help ensure optimal performance. Those who give up too soon miss out on better conversations, improved social interactions, and an overall enhanced quality of life.

Rather than letting hearing aids collect dust in a drawer, embrace the adjustment process and take advantage of professional support to make them work effectively.

Your unused hearing aids can work for you again — to schedule an appointment with Audiologist Beth Wallace, M.S., CCC-A, at Wallace Center for Hearing, please contact:

Wallace Center For Hearing, LLC

4127 Progress Blvd

Peru, IL 61354

815-223-3201

wallacehearing@yahoo.com

www.wallacecenterforhearing.com