You’ve waited far too long but you finally invested in a pair of hearing aids. Taking the first step to better your life is an awesome accomplishment. There are things you should learn to do and not to do with newer technology like modern hearing aids. It’s not a huge list when it comes to hearing aids, but it is a significant one.
Caring for your hearing is not the only thing to consider. The device will be less useful and your adjustment time will be slowed by the things you fail to do. 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 might be ignoring powerful features if you don’t take some time to learn the basics of how your hearing aid works and explore the features that come with the brand. If you simply turn on your hearing aids and start wearing them, it’s likely they won’t work effectively. Bluetooth and noise filters are a few of the best features that you may also lose out on.
Conversely, if you slow it down a bit and read the included documentation, you can figure out how to attain the cleanest sound quality and practice various configurations that improve the hearing aid’s function.
You will already have a basic idea of what your hearing aids can do when you purchase them. It will take a little more time but you have to learn how to operate them properly.
2. Disregard the Adjustment Factor
Whenever you get new glasses, your eyes need time to adapt to the change in the lenses or the shape of the frame. There is also an adjustment period with hearing aids. The sound quality is not just magically enjoyed by new hearing aid owners. That’s an unrealistic expectation.
If you’ve never worn hearing aids before, it’s a significant difference and your ears will need some time to adapt. Quick adaptation depends on consistent use.
Once you’ve put them in leave them in. You need to resist the urge to keep removing them. Think about why you might be uncomfortable.
- Take out the hearing aid if it gets uncomfortable for short intervals. If the hearing aids just don’t seem to fit right, go back to the retailer and have them examined.
- Is the sound too loud? Perhaps you should turn down the volume.
- Are you overwhelmed by the background noise? Spend a few minutes in a quiet place each day when you first put them in. Sit and talk with a friend. Ask them if you are talking too loud. In this way, you can balance out the sound by making adjustments.
Don’t make a huge mistake and give up on your hearing aid. If you throw your hearing aids in a drawer and forget about them, they will do you no good.
3. When You First Get Your Hearing Aid, Have it Fitted
There is a lot involved in finding the correct hearing aids, and it begins before you even start looking. 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 The right ones for your type or level of hearing loss can be the result. For example, some hearing aids by design amplify a high-frequency sound. These are not the right hearing aids for you if you can’t hear mid or low tones.
Your lifestyle, in some cases may not seem well suited to hearing aids. Maybe you spend two-thirds of your day talking on the phone, so you will want hearing aids that have Bluetooth technology.
While you are still in the trial period for your new hearing aids, write down the times where you wished your hearing aids did something different or when it felt like they didn’t function right. You can go back to the hearing aid technician and discuss those problems. An adjustment might be needed or you may possibly need a different device.
Most retailers do free fittings so be certain to find one of them when you get your hearing aids. If they’re too big for your ears they won’t function properly.
4. Poor Maintenance
Successful upkeep of your hearing aids begins with knowing how and when to do it. Even if you’ve had hearing aids in the past you should take the time to understand how to care for your new device.
When you get the hearing aids, Take a close look at at the warning signs listed in the user manual like using hair care products with your hearing aids in or not turning them off when you remove it.
Don’t forget to read the maintenance guide and troubleshooting instructions.
Understand precisely how to clean your hearing aids as that’s an important part of correct maintenance. Don’t stop at only cleaning the device, either. You also have to correctly clean your ears.
It’s up to you to ensure you get the most from your new hearing aids. The process begins as you are shopping for them and proceeds when you start wearing them. Schedule a hearing test with a hearing professional to find out what kind of hearing aid will work best for you.