When you first get hearing aids, it can take time for your ears and brain to adjust to a new way of hearing. Many issues will resolve themselves with a little bit of time and consistent use. However, some users find that they don’t like their hearing aids and make the choice to stop wearing them.
Consequences of Leaving Your Hearing Loss Untreated 
Unfortunately, leaving your hearing loss untreated can lead to many negative consequences, such as:
- Worsening hearing loss
- Higher levels of anxiety and depression
- Increased risk of balance issues
- Social isolation
- Increased risk of cognitive decline and dementia
Three Common Reasons People Don’t Like Their Hearing Aids, And How To Fix Them
While there are many reasons a person might not like wearing their hearing aids, let’s look at three of the most common.
Device Feels Uncomfortable
Studies have shown that discomfort is one of the top reasons why people with hearing loss decide not to use hearing aids.
It’s not uncommon for it to take a bit of time for you to get used to having something in your ear. However, if your hearing aid is causing significant discomfort or even pain, you should call your audiologist. It’s likely you will need to have your hearing aids re-fitted to increase comfort.
It’s also possible that after years of wearing the same device with no problems, the fit can start to feel uncomfortable. This is because our ears can change shape over time due to aging or changes in weight, in which case you will need your fit adjusted.
Too Much Background Noise
When you start using hearing aids, you pick up on a lot of sounds you weren’t hearing before. This can feel overwhelming. It can be especially difficult in louder environments, like when dining out during a packed night at Waterbar Restaurant.
By wearing your hearing aids consistently and during all waking hours (apart from showering), you should start to get used to the way things sound when using your device. However, if noises remain bothersome, you can talk with your audiologist about changing your hearing aid settings or adding a noise reduction program to your hearing device.
Your Hearing Aids Whistle
A whistling noise in your device is called feedback. It happens when sound that is amplified by your hearing aid is picked up by the device’s microphone and re-amplified. This can happen due to a poor fit, putting your hearing aids in incorrectly, or wax buildup in your ear canal. Addressing these problems should reduce the amount of feedback you experience.
If you’re unhappy with your hearing aids or have any other hearing needs, make an appointment with one of our experts at San Francisco Audiology today.