Avoiding The 4 Most Frequent Mistakes Made by New Hearing Aid Owners

Man adjusting to new hearing aids by adjusting volume on his smartphone.

At last, you purchased some hearing aids. Taking the first step to improve your Quality of life is an awesome accomplishment. There are things you should learn to do and not to do with newer technology such as modern hearing aids. Concerning hearing aids the list is significant even though it’s short.

Caring for your hearing isn’t the only consideration. Your adjustment time will be delayed by the things you fail to do and your hearing aids will be less effective. Now learn from the mistakes many others in your shoes have made; think about these four things you shouldn’t do with those new hearing aids.

1. Putting in Your Hearing Aids Right After You Buy Them

If you don’t check out the features that come with the brand you bought and take the time to understand the basics of how your device functions you could be ignoring powerful features. If you just turn on your hearing aids and start wearing them, more than likely they won’t work efficiently. Bluetooth and noise filters are a few of the best features that you may also miss.

In contrast, if you simply slow it down somewhat and read the documentation that came with the device, you can learn how to attain the cleanest sound quality and work on the various configurations that maximize the hearing aid’s function.

When you buy your hearing aids you will have a general idea of what they can do. Now you have to figure out how to use and that which takes a little patients.

2. Take Into Consideration The Adjustment Period

Your eyes need to adjust to the difference in the lenses and the shape of the frame when you get new glasses. The same goes for hearing aids. High quality sound in a new hearing aid does not happen by magic. It doesn’t work that way.

There is an adaptation period your ears will require if you are new to wearing hearing aids. Consistency is the secret to adjusting quickly to new hearing aids.

Leave them in your ear once you’ve put them in. Frequently, new users have an urge to keep taking them out. That urge should be ignored. 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 and talk with a friend. Ask if you are talking too loud. In this way, you can balance out the sound by making adjustments.
  • Is the audio too loud? Perhaps you should turn down the volume.
  • Take out the hearing aid if it gets uncomfortable for short intervals. If the hearing aids just don’t really fit right, go back to the retailer and have them checked.

The biggest mistake you can make is giving up. If you forget about your hearing aids, leaving them in a drawer somewhere, they will do you no good.

3. Have the Hearing Aid Fitted When You First Get it

There is a lot involved in getting the right hearing aids, and it begins before you even start shopping. When you are at the audiologist, if you are not honest about what you can and what you can’t hear at the hearing exam, that’s an issue. You may wind 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. These are not the best hearing aids for you if you can’t hear mid or low tones.

In some situations, hearing aids might not seem to fit your lifestyle. If you have to be talking on your phone allot you will need to get a hearing aid with Bluetooth technology.

Take note of when you think your hearing aids aren’t working correctly or you wish they did something different when you’re still in the trial period. You can go back to the hearing aid technician and discuss those issues. You might need a different type of device or you could just need an adjustment.

Most retailers do free fittings so be sure to find one of them when you buy your hearing aids. They won’t work if they are too big for your ears.

4. Poor Maintenance

Knowing when and how to Take care of your hearing aids are the keys to success. Take the time to learn how to take care of your new device even if you’ve worn hearing aids in the past.

There are some things you shouldn’t do with your hearing aids in such as using hair products with them in or taking them out without turning them off so consult your user manual.

Additionally, read the troubleshooting instructions and the maintenance guide.

Keeping it clean is an important part of Taking care of hearing aids, so be sure to understand all the hows and whys. The hearing aid is not the only thing that needs to be cleaned. Find out what the maker recommends for cleaning your ears, too.

It’s up to you to make sure you get the most out of your new hearing aids. It’s a continuing process from shopping to use. Get a hearing test with a hearing specialist to learn what type of hearing aid will best fit your needs.

The site information is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. To receive personalized advice or treatment, schedule an appointment.