At last, you got a set of hearing aids. Nice job taking the first step to improve your quality of life. There are things you should learn to do and not to do with newer technology such as modern hearing aids. The list with hearing aids is not huge, but it’s an important one.
It’s not simply about caring for your hearing aids, either. The things you fail to do will make the hearing aid less useful or slow your adjustment time. Others in your situation have made mistakes that you can learn from. These four things that you shouldn’t do need to be taken into consideration.
1. Straight Out of the Box Into Your Ear
If you don’t explore the features that are included with the brand you purchased and take the time to understand the basics of how your device works you could be overlooking powerful features. More than likely, your hearing aids won’t work effectively if you just turn them on and start wearing them. Bluetooth and noise filters are a few of the best features that you may also miss.
On the other hand, if you slow it down somewhat and read the included documentation, you can figure out how to attain the cleanest sound quality and work on various configurations that improve the hearing aid’s function.
You should have a basic concept of what your hearing aids can accomplish when you purchase them. Now you have to figure out how to use them which takes a little time.
2. Consider The Adjustment Period
Whenever you get new glasses, your eyes need time to adapt to the difference in the lenses or the shape of the frame. This also goes for hearing aids. The sound quality is not just magically enjoyed by new hearing aid owners. It doesn’t work that way.
If you’ve never worn hearing aids before, it’s a significant difference and your ears will require some time to adjust. Consistency is the secret to adapting quickly to your new hearing aids.
Put them in your ear and don’t keep taking them out. In the beginning, you might have to fight the need to remove them every few minutes. Ask yourself why you might be uncomfortable.
- Are you overwhelmed by the background noise? Go to a quiet place for a few minutes when you first put them in each day. Sit down with a friend and talk. Ask if you are talking too loud. In this way, you can balance the sound out by making adjustments.
- Take the hearing aid out if it gets uncomfortable for short periods. Go back to the seller and have your hearing aids examined if they don’t really fit right.
- Is the sound too loud? Perhaps you need to turn down the volume.
Don’t make a huge mistake and give up on your hearing aid. If you forget about your hearing aids, leaving them in a drawer somewhere, they will do you no good.
3. Get the Hearing Aid Fitted When You First Buy it
Finding the right hearing aids begins before you start actually shopping and there is a lot to it. When you are at the audiologist, if you are not honest about what you can and what you can’t hear at your test, that’s an issue. You might end up with hearing aids that aren’t right for your level or type of hearing loss. Some hearing aids pick up a high-frequency sound by design for instance. If your hearing loss interferes with your ability to hear mid-range or low sounds, the hearing aids won’t work correctly for you.
In many cases, hearing aids might not seem to fit your lifestyle. Perhaps you spend a lot of your day on the phone, so you will want hearing aids with Bluetooth technology.
Make a note of when you wish your hearing aid did something different or when they aren’t working properly when you are still in the trial period. Your hearing aid technician can discuss those problems with you if you bring them back. You may need a different type of device or you might just need an adjustment.
Most retailers do free fittings so makes certain to find one of them when you buy your hearing aids. If they are too big for your ears they won’t work properly.
4. Sloppy Maintenance
Successful upkeep of your hearing aids starts with knowing how and when to do it. Even if you’ve had hearing aids before you should take the time to learn how to care for your new device.
After you get your hearing aids, Take a close look at at the warning signs listed in the user manual such as using hair products with your hearing aids in or not turning them off when you remove it.
Don’t forget to study the maintenance guide and troubleshooting instructions.
A big part of taking care of hearing aids is cleaning so be sure to understand how to do it. The hearing aid is not the only thing that requires cleaning. You also have to properly clean your ears.
You have to take the initiative if you want to get the most from your hearing aids. The process begins as you are shopping for them and proceeds when you start wearing them. Get a hearing test with a hearing specialist to find out what kind of hearing aid will best fit your needs.
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The site information is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. To receive a personalized free hearing test and hearing loss consultation, call today to set up an appointment.
