So you finally went out and bought a new pair of hearing aids. Taking the first step to better your Quality of life is an awesome accomplishment. There is a lot to learn when you buy new technology such as modern hearing aids, and that includes the things you shouldn’t do. It’s not a long list when it comes to hearing aids, but it is a significant one.
There are other considerations besides just taking care of your hearing. The things you fail to do will 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. Putting in Your Hearing Aids Right After You Buy Them
Without spending some time to learn the basics of how your hearing aids work and checking out the features that come with the brand you purchased you may be overlooking powerful features. If you just turn on your hearing aids and start wearing them, more than likely they won’t work effectively. You may also lose out on the best features like Bluetooth or noise filters.
Conversely, if you slow it down somewhat and read the documentation that came with the device, you can figure out how to get the cleanest sound quality and work on the various adjustments that improve the hearing aid’s function.
When you pick your new hearing aids you will have a general idea of what they can do. Now, spend some time learning how to use them.
2. It Takes Time For Your Ears to Adjust
Your eyes need to adjust to the shape of the frame and the difference in lenses when you get a new pair of glasses. There is also an adjustment period when it comes to hearing aids. High quality sound in a new hearing aid does not happen by magic. That’s an unrealistic expectation.
There is an adjustment period your ears will require if you’re new to wearing hearing aids. Adjusting to new hearing aids quickly is all about consistency.
Put them in your ear and leave them in place. You need to resist the urge to keep taking them out. Consider why you might be uncomfortable.
- Are you overwhelmed by the background noise? Spend a few minutes in a quiet place each day when you first put them in. Sit down 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.
- Take out the hearing aid if it gets uncomfortable for short periods. Go back to the seller and have your hearing aids examined if they don’t really fit properly..
- Is the audio too loud? Maybe you need to turn the volume down.
Don’t make a big mistake and give up on your hearing aid. Your hearing aids will do you no good thrown in a drawer and forgotten.
3. Fail to Get a Professional Fitting Upfront
There is a lot involved in finding the right hearing aids, and it begins before you even start shopping. While at your hearing test at the audiologist, it’s important to be honest about what you can and can’t hear. You could end up with hearing aids that aren’t right for your level or type of hearing loss. Some hearing aids amplify a high-frequency sound by design for example. If your hearing loss interferes with your ability to hear mid-range or low sounds, the hearing aids won’t work right for you.
Your lifestyle, in many cases may not seem well suited to hearing aids. If you have to be on your phone allot you will need to get a hearing aid with Bluetooth technology.
Make a note of when you wish your hearing aid did something different or when they’re not functioning properly when you are still in the trial period. You can go back and talk about those issues with your hearing aid technician. It might just take an adjustment, or perhaps you need a different type of device.
When you get your hearing aids make certain to find a seller that does free fittings. They can’t be too big for your ears or they won’t function properly.
4. Sloppy Maintenance
Understanding when and how to maintain your hearing aids are the keys to success. Even if you’ve used hearing aids before you have to take the time to learn how to care for your new device.
After you buy the hearing aids, look closely at the warning signs listed in the documentation including using hair products with your hearing aids in or not turning them off when you remove it.
Additionally, read the troubleshooting instructions and the maintenance guide.
Understand exactly how to clean your hearing aids as that’s a big part of correct maintenance. The hearing aid is not the only thing that needs to be cleaned. See what the maker suggests for cleaning your ears, too.
It’s up to you to ensure you get the most from your new hearing aids. It’s a continuing process from shopping to use. Schedule an exam with a hearing professional to find out what kind of hearing aid will work best for you.