Congrats! You’ve just become the proud owner of hearing aids – a wonderful piece of modern technology. But new hearing aid owners will wish someone had told them certain things, just like with any new technology.
Let’s examine how a new hearing aid user can eliminate the 9 most common hearing aid errors.
1. Not learning how hearing aids work
To put it simply, learn your hearing aid’s functions. The hearing experience will be dramatically improved if you know how to utilize advanced features for different settings like on the street, at the movies, or in a restaurant.
Your wireless devices, like smartphones and televisions can most likely connect wirelessly to your hearing aids. Additionally, it may have a specific setting that helps you hear on the phone.
If you fail to learn about these functions, it’s so easy to get stuck in a rut by using your technologically-advanced hearing aid in a rudimentary way. Modern hearing aids do more than simply increase the volume of outside sounds.
To get the clearest and best sound quality, take some time to practice wearing the hearing aid in different places. Test out how well you hear by asking a friend or family member to assist you.
As with anything new, it will get easier after a little practice. Simply turning the volume up and down won’t even come close to providing the hearing experience that using these more advanced features will.
2. Expecting immediate improvement in your hearing
In line with number one, many new hearing aid owners think their hearing will be perfect as they leave the office. This assumption is normally not how it works. Some people say it takes a month or more before they’re entirely comfortable with their hearing aid. But stay positive. They also say it’s really worth it.
After getting home, give yourself a couple of days to get used to the new situation. It’s like breaking in a new pair of shoes. You might need to wear it in short intervals.
Start in a quiet setting with a friend where you are just talking. It can be a bit disorienting at first because voices might not sound the same. Ask your friends if you’re speaking too loud and make the required adjustments.
Slowly start to visit new places and use the hearing aid for longer periods of time.
You will have wonderful hearing experiences ahead of you if you can only be patient with yourself.
3. Not being honest about your level of hearing loss at your hearing appointment
In order to be sure you get the correct hearing aid technology, it’s important to answer any questions we may ask honestly.
Go back and get another test if you realize you may not have been totally honest after you get your hearing aids. But it’s better if you get it right the first time. The hearing aid type and style that will be ideal for you will be determined by the degree and kind of hearing loss you’re experiencing.
For instance, some hearing aids are better for individuals with hearing loss in the high-frequency range. People who are dealing with mid-range hearing loss will call for different technology and etc.
4. Failing to have your hearing aid fitted
Your hearing aids need to juggle several requirements at the same time: They need to efficiently boost sound, they need to be simple to put in and remove, and they need to be comfortable in your ears. All three of those variables will be addressed during your fitting.
During hearing aid fitting sessions, you may:
- Do hearing tests to calibrate the proper power for your hearing aid.
- Have molds of your ears made and measurements taken.
5. Not tracking your results
It’s important that you take notes on how your hearing aid performs and feels after you get fitted. Make a note if you are having a hard time hearing in a large room. Make a note if one ear seems tighter than the other. If everything feels great, make a note. With this information, we can customize the settings of your hearing aid so it functions at peak effectiveness and comfort.
6. Not anticipating how you’ll utilize your hearing aids
Water-resistant hearing aids do exist. Others, however, can be damaged or even ruined by water. Some have advanced features you might be willing to pay more for because you take pleasure in certain activities.
You can ask our opinion but the decision is yours. Only you know which state-of-the-art features you’ll actually use and that’s worth committing to because if the hearing aids don’t fit in with your lifestyle you won’t wear them.
You and your hearing aid will be together for a number of years. So if you really need certain functions, you don’t want to settle for less.
A few more things to think about
- How visible your hearing aid is might be something you’re worried about. Or maybe you want to wear them with style.
- To be very satisfied, talk about these preferences before your fitting.
- Maybe you want a high level of automation. Or maybe you’re more of a do-it-yourself type of individual. How much battery life will you require?
Many issues that come up with regards to fit, lifestyle, and how you use your hearing aids can be resolved during the fitting process. Also, you may be able to demo out your hearing aids before you commit to a purchase. This trial period will help you determine which brand will be best for your needs.
7. Neglecting to take proper care of your hearing aid
Moisture is a serious issue for the majority of hearing aids. If you live in a humid place, acquiring a dehumidifier may be worth the money. It’s not a good idea to keep your hearing aid in the bathroom where everyone showers.
Consistently wash your hands before touching the hearing aid or batteries. Oils encountered normally on your hand can effect how well the hearing aid functions and the duration of the batteries.
The hearing aid shouldn’t be allowed to accumulate earwax and skin cells. Instead, clean it based on the manufacturer’s instructions.
The life and function of your hearing aid will be increased by taking these simple steps.
8. Failing to keep a spare set of batteries
New hearing aid users frequently learn this concept at the worst times. When you’re about to find out who did it at the crucial moment of your favorite show, your batteries die without warning.
Your battery life depends, like any electronic device, on the external environment and how you use it. So always keep an extra set of batteries nearby, even if you recently replaced them. Don’t miss something special because of an unpredictable battery.
9. Not practicing your hearing exercises
You might assume that your hearing aids will do all of the work when you first purchase them. But the parts of your brain in charge of interpreting sound are also impacted by hearing loss not only your ears.
You can start to work on rebuilding those ear-to-brain pathways after you get your new hearing aids. For some individuals, this may happen quite naturally and this is particularly true if the hearing loss developed recently. But other people will need a more structured approach to rebuild their ability to hear. The following are a couple of common strategies.
Reading out loud
One of the most efficient ways you can recreate those connections between your ears and your brain is to spend some time reading out loud. It might feel a bit foolish at first, but don’t let that stop you. You’re doing the important work of linking the words (which you read) to the sound (which you say). Your hearing will get better and better as you continue practicing.
Audiobooks
If you’re uncomfortable with the idea of reading something out loud yourself, then you can always go the audiobook route. You can purchase (or rent from the library) a physical copy of a book and the audiobook version together. Then, you read along with the book while the audiobook plays. You’ll hear a word as you’re reading it just like reading out loud. And that helps the hearing-and-language region of your brain get accustomed to hearing (and making sense of) speech again.
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Resources
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK10900/