So you finally went out and purchased a new pair of hearing aids. Great job taking the first step to enhance your quality of life. There are things you should learn to do and not to do with newer technology like modern hearing aids. With hearing aids the list is important even though it’s short.
There are other considerations besides simply caring for your hearing. The things you fail to do can make the devices less useful or slow down your adjustment time. Others in your shoes have made mistakes that you can learn from. These four things that you shouldn’t do should be taken into consideration.
1. Straight Out of the Box Into Your Ear
You may be ignoring powerful features if you don’t take some time to understand the basics of how your hearing aid functions and explore the features that come with the brand. If you just turn on your hearing aids and put them in, it’s likely they won’t work efficiently. Bluetooth and noise filters are some of the best features that you may also overlook.
You can figure out how to get the clearest sound quality and practice the various adjustments that improve the hearing aid’s function if you merely take your time and study the users manual.
You should have a general idea of what the hearing aids can accomplish when you purchase them. It will take a bit more time but you need to learn how to use them correctly.
2. Underestimate the Adjustment Factor
Your eyes need to adapt to the shape of the frame and the change in lenses when you get a new pair of glasses. The same goes for hearing aids. The sound quality is not just magically enjoyed by new hearing aid owners. That’s an unrealistic expectation.
There is an adjustment period your ears will require if you are new to hearing aids. Adjusting to your new hearing aids quickly is all about consistency.
Leave them in place once you’ve put them in. In the beginning, you might have to fight the need to remove them every few minutes. Think about why you might be uncomfortable.
- Is the audio too loud? Perhaps you need to turn down the volume.
- Does the background noise seem overwhelming? Every day when you first put them in you should go to a quiet place for a few minutes. Sit with a friend and talk. Ask them if you are talking too loud. By doing this, you can balance the sound out by making adjustments.
- Until you get used to it, take out the hearing aids when it gets uncomfortable. If the hearing aids just don’t really fit right, go back to the seller and have them checked.
Giving up is the worst mistake you can make. If you just forget about your hearing aids, leaving them in a drawer somewhere, they won’t do you any good.
3. When You First Get Your Hearing Aid, Have it Fitted
Getting the right hearing aids begins before you start actually shopping and there is a lot to it. During your hearing exam at the audiologist, it’s important to be honest about what you can and can’t hear. Hearing aids that aren’t right for your type or level of hearing loss can be the result. For instance, some hearing aids by design pick up a high-frequency sound. These are not the ideal hearing aids for you if you can’t hear mid or low tones.
In many circumstances, hearing aids may not seem to fit your lifestyle. Bluetooth technology is a feature that you will want if you use a phone allot.
Make a note of when you want your hearing aid to do something different or when they aren’t functioning properly when you are still in the trial period. You can go back and talk about those issues with your hearing care technician. It might just take an adjustment, or perhaps you require a different type of device.
Most retailers do free fittings so be sure to find one of them when you purchase your hearing aids. If they’re too big for your ears they won’t work properly.
4. Neglected Maintenance
Knowing when and how to Take care of your hearing aids are the keys to success. Take the time to figure out how to take care of your hearing aids even if this isn’t your first pair.
There are things you shouldn’t do with your hearing aids in like using hair care products when you have them in or taking them out without turning them off so read your user manual.
Don’t forget to read the maintenance guide and troubleshooting instructions.
Cleaning is an important part of caring for hearing aids, so be sure to understand all the hows and whys. The hearing aid is not the only thing that requires cleaning. Properly cleaning your ears is crucial too.
If you want to get the most out of your hearing aids, the ball is in your court. The process begins as you are shopping for them and continues when you begin wearing them. Schedule an exam with a hearing professional to learn what kind of hearing aid will work best for you.