Finally, you bought a pair of hearing aids. Taking the first step to better your life is a great accomplishment. There is a lot to understand 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 with hearing aids, but it is a significant one.
There are other considerations besides just taking care of your hearing. The device will be less useful and your adjustment time will be slowed by the things you fail to do. 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. Straight Out of the Box Into Your Ear
You could be overlooking powerful features if you don’t put in the time to understand the basics of how your hearing aid works and check out the features that come with the brand. It’s likely that if you simply turn your new device on and put them right in, they won’t work efficiently for you. You might also miss out on the best features such as Bluetooth and noise filters.
Conversely, if you simply slow it down somewhat and read the documentation that came with the device, you can determine how to attain the cleanest sound quality and practice the various adjustments that maximize the hearing aid’s function.
You will already have a general understanding of what your hearing aids can do when you buy them. 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 change in lenses when you get a new pair of glasses. There is also an adaptation period when it comes to hearing aids. Many new hearing aid owners think they will automatically experience this fantastic new sound quality. That’s an unrealistic expectation.
There is an adaptation period your ears will need if you’re new to hearing aids. Quick adjustment depends on consistent use.
Put them in and leave them in place. Usually, new users have an urge to keep removing them. That urge needs to be resisted. Consider why you might be uncomfortable.
- If it feels uncomfortable, take out the hearing aids for short time periods until you get used to it. Go back to the retailer and have your hearing aids checked if they don’t seem to fit right..
- Is the sound too loud? Maybe you need to turn down the volume.
- Does the background noise seem overwhelming? Every day when you first put them in you should go to a quiet place for a few minutes. Sit and talk with a friend. Ask if you are talking too loud. This will help you make adjustments to balance out the sound.
Giving up is the worst mistake you can make. If you just forget about your hearing aids, leaving them in a drawer somewhere, they will do you no good.
3. Neglect Getting a Professional Fitting Upfront
There is a lot involved in finding the correct hearing aids, and it begins before you even start looking. If you are not honest about what you can and can’t hear during the hearing test at the audiologist, that’s an issue. You could wind up with hearing aids that aren’t right for your level or type of hearing loss. For instance, some hearing aids by design amplify a high-frequency sound. If you have a hard time hearing mid or low tones, these are not the correct hearing aids for you.
In many circumstances, hearing aids might not seem to fit your lifestyle. Maybe you spend two-thirds of your day on the phone, so you will need to get hearing aids that have 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 correctly. Your hearing aid technician can discuss those problems with you if you take them back. It could just take an adjustment, or perhaps you require a different type of device.
Make sure to buy your hearing aids from a retailer that does fittings, too. They won’t work right 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 care for your new device even if you’ve used hearing aids before.
There are some things you shouldn’t do with your hearing aids in like using hair products with them in or removing them without turning them off so consult your documentation.
Additionally, study the troubleshooting instructions and the maintenance guide.
Understand exactly how to clean your hearing aids since that’s an important part of correct maintenance. The hearing aid is not the only thing that requires cleaning. Find out what the manufacturer suggests for cleaning your ears, too.
You have to take the initiative if you want to get the most from your hearing aids. The process starts as you are shopping for them and continues when you start wearing them. Schedule an exam with a hearing professional to learn what kind of hearing aid will best fit your needs.