DEVELOPING REALISTIC EXPECTAIONSSome people put on a hearing instrument and hear better right away. For most, there is more of an adjustment period. The single most important factor in the process is the attitude and commitment of the wearer—and the development of realistic expectations. Just as if you had a knee replacement or other medical procedure, you can expect to go through a period of rehabilitation, followed by adjustment to your new circumstances. You can also expect that this will take some time. You’ll need both a willingness to go through that process, as well as the patience to re-learn a new way of hearing. Part of that re-learning is recognizing that hearing instruments won’t replicate the way you used to hear, nor will they restore or prevent further loss. Most people gain significant improvement in their sense of hearing with hearing instruments, though it is a gradual process that can and will take some time.
