4 Errors New Hearing Aid Owners Make (and How You Can Prevent Them)

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

You’ve put off far too long but you finally bought a set of hearing aids. Great job taking the first step to enhance your life. There are things you should learn to do and not to do with newer technology like modern hearing aids. It’s not a long list with hearing aids, but it is an important one.

It’s not only about caring for your hearing aids, either. The device will be less useful and your adjustment time will be slowed by the things you fail to do. Now learn from the mistakes many others in your shoes have made; consider these four things you shouldn’t do with those new hearing aids.

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

You might be overlooking powerful features if you don’t take some time to understand the basics of how your hearing aid functions and check out the features that come with the brand. Chances are if you just turn on your new hearing aid and start wearing them, they won’t work efficiently for you. Bluetooth and noise filters are a few of the best features that you may also overlook.

On the other hand, 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 various adjustments that maximize the hearing aid’s function.

When you pick your hearing aids you will have a general idea of what they can do. Now, take some time to learn how to use them.

2. Take Into Consideration The Adjustment Period

Every time you get a new pair of glasses, your eyes require time to adapt to the change in the lenses or the shape of the frame. The same is true for hearing aids. High quality sound in a new hearing aid does not happen by magic. That’s not how it works.

There is an adjustment period your ears will need if you’re new to hearing aids. Quick adaptation is all about consistent use.

Put them in and leave them in place. At first, you may need to fight the urge to take them out every few minutes. Consider 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 down with a friend and talk. Ask if you are talking too loud. This will help you make adjustments to balance out the sound.
  • Is the sound too loud? Perhaps you should turn down the volume.
  • Until you get used to it, take out the hearing aids when it gets uncomfortable. If the hearing aids just don’t seem to fit right, go back to the seller and have them examined.

The most substantial mistake you can make is giving up. If you shove your hearing aids in a drawer and forget about them, they won’t do you any good.

3. Neglect Getting a Professional Fitting Upfront

There is a lot involved in finding the proper hearing aids, and it begins before you even start shopping. If you are not honest about what you can and can’t hear at the hearing test at the audiologist, that’s a problem. Hearing aids that aren’t right for your type or level of hearing loss can be the result. For example, some hearing aids by design pick up a high-frequency sound. If your hearing loss interferes with your ability to hear mid-range or low tones, the hearing aids won’t work right for you.

In many cases, hearing aids might not seem to fit your lifestyle. Bluetooth technology is a feature that you will need if you use a phone allot.

Make a note of when you want your hearing aid to do 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. You may need a different type of device or you might just need an adjustment.

Be sure you get your hearing aids from a retailer that does fittings, too. They can’t be too big for your ears or they won’t work right.

4. Neglected Maintenance

Successful maintenance of your hearing aids starts with understanding how and when to do it. Take the time to learn how to care for your hearing aids even if this isn’t your first rodeo.

When you get the hearing aids, look closely at the warning signs listed in the documentation including using hair products with your hearing aids in or failing to turn them off when you remove it.

Always, read the troubleshooting instructions and the maintenance guide.

Cleaning is an important part of Taking care of hearing aids, so be sure to understand all the hows and whys. Don’t stop at just cleaning the device, either. You also have to properly clean your ears.

If you want to get the most out of your hearing aids, the ball is in your court. The process starts as you are shopping for them and continues when you begin using them. Make an appointment with a hearing care professional to learn what kind of hearing aid will work best for you.

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.

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