The 4 Most Frequent Errors Made by New Hearing Aid Owners Can be Prevented

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

You’ve waited far too long but you finally invested in new hearing aids. Taking the first step to better your life is an awesome accomplishment. Modern hearing aids are newer technology and there are things you should learn to do and things that you should learn not to do. The list with hearing aids is not long, but it’s a significant one.

There are other things to consider besides simply 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 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

Without spending some time to understand the basics of how your hearing aids work and exploring the features that come with the brand you bought you may be overlooking powerful features. If you just turn on your hearing aids and start wearing them, it’s likely they won’t work effectively. You might also miss out on the best features such as Bluetooth and noise filters.

Conversely, if you slow it down a bit and read the documentation that came with the device, you can learn how to attain the cleanest sound quality and practice the various configurations that improve the hearing aid’s function.

you’ll have a general understanding of what your hearing aids can do when you purchase them. It will take a bit more time but you have to learn how to operate them properly.

2. Neglect the Adjustment Factor

Your eyes need to adapt to the change in the lenses and the shape of the frame when you get new glasses. There is also an adjustment period with hearing aids. The sound quality is not just magically enjoyed by new hearing aid owners. It doesn’t work that way.

If you haven’t ever worn hearing aids, it’s a big difference and your ears will need some time to adjust. Adapting to your new hearing aids quickly is all about consistency.

Put them in and don’t keep taking them out. Usually, new users feel an urge to keep taking them out. That urge should be resisted. Ask yourself why you might be uncomfortable.

  • Until you get used to it, take out the hearing aids when it gets uncomfortable. Go back to the retailer and have your hearing aids examined if they don’t seem to fit properly..
  • Is the noise too loud? Maybe you need to 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 down with a friend and talk. Ask if you are talking too loud. By doing this, you can balance out the sound by making adjustments.

The biggest mistake you can make is giving up. Your hearing aids will do you no good shoved in a drawer and forgotten about.

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

There is a lot involved in finding the proper hearing aids, and it begins before you even start looking. If you are not telling the truth about what you can and can’t hear during the hearing test at the audiologist, that’s a problem. You could end up with hearing aids that aren’t right for your level or type of hearing loss. Some hearing aids amplify a high-frequency sound by design for example. These are not the ideal hearing aids for you if you can’t hear mid or low tones.

In some circumstances, hearing aids may not seem to 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.

Take note of when you think your hearing aids aren’t functioning right or you wish they did something different when you’re still in the trial period. Your hearing aid technician can discuss that with you if you take them back. You might need a different type of device or you might just need an adjustment.

Most retailers do free fittings so be certain to find one of them when you get your hearing aids. They can’t be too big for your ears or they won’t function right.

4. Sloppy Maintenance

Understanding when and how to Take care of your hearing aids are the keys to success. Take the time to understand how to take care of your new device even if you’ve had hearing aids before.

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

Don’t forget to study the maintenance guide and troubleshooting instructions.

Keeping it clean is a big 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 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 out of your hearing aids. The process starts as you are shopping for them and proceeds when you begin wearing 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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