You’ve got a pair of new hearing aids. Good 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 like modern hearing aids. Concerning hearing aids the list is significant even though it’s not very long.
Caring for your hearing is not the only consideration. The things you fail to do will make the hearing aid less useful or slow down your adjustment time. It’s time to learn from the mistakes many others in your situation have made; contemplate 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 are included with the brand you bought and take the time to learn the basics of how your device works you could be ignoring powerful features. If you simply turn on your hearing aids and put them in, it’s likely they won’t work efficiently. You might also miss out on the best features such as Bluetooth and noise filters.
On the other hand, if you slow it down a little and read the documentation that came with the device, you can learn how to get the cleanest sound quality and practice various adjustments that maximize the hearing aid’s function.
When you purchase your new hearing aids you will have a basic idea of what they can do. Now you need to figure out how to use them which takes a little time.
2. Take Into Consideration The Adjustment Period
Anytime you get new glasses, your eyes need time to adapt to the difference in the lenses or the shape of the frame. There is also an adaptation period when it comes to hearing aids. High quality sound in a new hearing aid does not happen by magic. That’s not how it works.
Your ears will need a couple days to adjust to what is a huge change, especially if you haven’t worn hearing aids in the past. Quick adaptation depends on consistent use.
Once you’ve put them in leave them in. You need to resist the urge to keep taking them out. Consider why you might be uncomfortable.
- Does the background noise seem overwhelming? Go to a quiet place for a few minutes when you first put them in each day. Sit down and talk with a friend. Ask if you are talking too loud. By doing this, you can balance out the sound by making adjustments.
- Is the noise too loud? Maybe you need to turn the volume down.
- Until you get used to it, take out the hearing aids when it gets uncomfortable. Go back to the seller and have your hearing aids inspected if they don’t really fit right..
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 left behind.
3. Have the Hearing Aid Fitted When You First Get it
There is a lot involved in getting the proper hearing aids, and it begins before you even start looking. While at your hearing test at the audiologist, it’s important to be honest about what you can and can’t hear. You might wind up with hearing aids that aren’t the correct ones for your level or type of hearing loss. Some hearing aids pick up a high-frequency sound by design as an example. If your hearing loss impedes your ability to hear mid-range or low tones, the hearing aids won’t work correctly for you.
In some situations, hearing aids may not really fit your lifestyle. If you have to be talking on your phone allot you will want to get a hearing aid that has Bluetooth technology.
While you are still in the trial period for your new hearing aids, take note of the times where you wished your hearing aids did something different or when it felt like they didn’t work right. You can go back and talk about those concerns with your hearing aid technician. You might need a different type of device or you could just need an adjustment.
When you purchase your hearing aids make certain to find a retailer that does free fittings. They won’t work right if they are too big for your ears.
4. Poor Maintenance
Sometimes poor maintenance is merely a question of not understanding when you should or shouldn’t do something or how to do it. Take the time to learn how to care for your hearing aids even if this isn’t your first rodeo.
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.
Also, read the troubleshooting instructions and the maintenance guide.
Cleaning is a big part of Taking care of hearing aids, so make sure you understand all the hows and whys. Don’t stop at only cleaning the device, either. You also have to properly clean your ears.
It’s up to you to make sure you get the most from your new hearing aids. It’s an ongoing process from shopping to use. Make an appointment with a hearing care professional to find out what kind of hearing aid will work best for you.