You’ve got a pair of new hearing aids. Well done, it’s an excellent start to improving the quality of your life. There is a lot to understand when you buy new technology like modern hearing aids, and that includes the things you shouldn’t do. It’s not a long list when it comes to hearing aids, but it is a significant one.
It’s not only about taking care of your hearing aids, either. The device will be less useful and your adjustment time will be slowed by the things you fail to do. Others in your shoes have made mistakes that you can learn from. These four things that you shouldn’t do should be taken into consideration.
1. Putting in Your Hearing Aids Right After You Buy Them
You might be disregarding powerful features if you don’t take the time to learn the basics of how your hearing aid functions and explore the features that come with the brand. Chances are if you simply turn your new device on and start wearing them, they won’t work efficiently for you. You might also lose out on the best features like Bluetooth and noise filters.
Conversely, if you simply slow it down a little 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 improve the hearing aid’s function.
You will already have a basic idea of what your hearing aids can do when you buy them. Now, take some time to learn how to use them.
2. Disregard the Adjustment Factor
Your eyes need to adjust to the change in the lenses and the shape of the frame when you get new glasses. The same is true for hearing aids. High quality sound in a new hearing aid does not happen by magic. That’s an unrealistic expectation.
If you haven’t ever worn hearing aids, it’s a significant change and your ears will need some time to adjust. Consistency is the key to adapting quickly to new hearing aids.
Put them in your ear and don’t keep taking them out. You should fight the urge to keep removing them. Think about why you might be uncomfortable.
- Is the audio too loud? Maybe you need to turn down the volume.
- Take the hearing aid out if it gets uncomfortable for short intervals. Go back to the retailer and have your hearing aids inspected if they don’t really fit right..
- Are you overwhelmed by the background noise? Spend a few minutes in a quiet place each day when you first put them in. Sit with a friend and talk. Ask if you are talking too loud. This will help you make adjustments to balance out the sound.
Don’t make a huge mistake and give up on your hearing aid. If you throw your hearing aids in a drawer and forget about them, they will do you no good.
3. Get the Hearing Aid Fitted When You First Buy it
There is a lot involved in finding the correct hearing aids, and it begins before you even start looking. While at your hearing exam at the audiologist, it’s important to tell the truth about what you can and can’t hear. Hearing aids that aren’t right for your type or level of hearing loss can be the result. Some hearing aids amplify a high-frequency sound by design as an example. If you have a difficult time hearing mid or low sounds, these are not the ideal hearing aids for you.
Your lifestyle, in certain cases may not seem well compatible with hearing aids. Bluetooth technology is a feature that you will want if you use a phone allot.
Make a note of when you think your hearing aids aren’t functioning right or you wish they did something different while you’re still in the trial period. You can return to the hearing aid technician and discuss those problems. 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 purchase your hearing aids. If they are too big for your ears they won’t function properly.
4. Neglected Maintenance
Understanding when and how to Take care of your hearing aids are the keys to success. Take the time to understand how to care for your new device even if you’ve used hearing aids in the past.
After you buy the hearing aids, look closely at the warning signs listed in the user manual like using hair products with your hearing aids in or failing to turn them off when you take it out.
Don’t forget to read the maintenance guide and troubleshooting instructions.
A big part of caring for hearing aids is cleaning so be sure to understand how to do it. Don’t quit at just cleaning the device, either. Find out what the manufacturer advises for cleaning your ears, too.
It’s up to you to ensure 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 work best for you.
