So you finally went out and purchased a new set of hearing aids. Well done, it’s an excellent start to improving the quality of your life. There is a good deal to understand when you purchase new technology such as modern hearing aids, and that includes the things you shouldn’t do. It’s not a huge list with hearing aids, but it is an important one.
There are other things to consider besides just caring for your hearing. The device will be less useful and your adjustment time will be slowed by the things you fail to do. Others in your situation 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
If you don’t check out the features that come with the brand you bought and take the time to learn the basics of how your device functions you could be missing out on powerful features. It’s likely that your hearing aids won’t work effectively if you simply turn them on and start wearing them. Bluetooth and noise filters are some of the best features that you may also ignore.
You can figure out how to get the clearest sound quality and work on the different configurations that maximize the hearing aid’s function if you just slow down and study the users manual.
When you pick your new hearing aids you will have a basic idea of what they can do. Now you have to figure out how to use and that which takes a little patients.
2. Neglect the Adjustment Factor
Every time you get a new pair of glasses, your eyes require time to adapt to the difference in the lenses or the shape of the frame. This is also true for hearing aids. The sound quality is not just magically enjoyed by new hearing aid owners. That’s not how it works.
Your ears will require a couple days to adjust to what is a significant change, especially if you haven’t worn hearing aids before. Quick adjustment is all about consistent use.
Put them in and leave them in place. Often, new users have an urge to keep removing them. That urge needs to be ignored. Consider why you might be uncomfortable.
- Does the background noise seem overwhelming? Spend a few minutes in a quiet place each day when you first put them in. Sit and talk with a friend. Ask if you are talking too loud. This will help you make adjustments to balance out the sound.
- Until you get used to it, take out the hearing aids when it gets uncomfortable. If the hearing aids just don’t really fit right, go back to the seller and have them inspected.
- Is the noise too loud? Perhaps you should turn the volume down.
Don’t make a huge mistake and give up on your hearing aid. If you forget about your hearing aids, leaving them in a drawer somewhere, they won’t do you any good.
3. Fail to Get a Proper Fitting Upfront
There is a lot involved in getting the right hearing aids, and it begins before you even start shopping. During your hearing exam at the audiologist, it’s important to be honest about what you can and can’t hear. You might wind up with hearing aids that aren’t the correct ones for your level or type of hearing loss. Some hearing aids pick up a high-frequency sound by design for instance. If you have a difficult time hearing mid or low sounds, these are not the right hearing aids for you.
Your lifestyle, in some cases may not seem well compatible with hearing aids. Bluetooth technology is a feature that you will need if you use a phone allot.
While you are still in the trial period for your new hearing aids, write down the times where you wanted your hearing aids to do something different or when it seemed like they didn’t function correctly. You can go back and discuss those concerns with your hearing aid technician. An adjustment might be required or you may need a different device.
Most retailers do free fittings so be sure to find one of them when you buy your hearing aids. They won’t work if they are too big for your ears.
4. Sloppy Maintenance
Understanding when and how to maintain your hearing aids are the keys to success. Even if you’ve used hearing aids before you should take the time to learn how to care for your new device.
When you buy your hearing aids, look closely at the warning signs listed in the documentation including using hair products with your hearing aids in or not turning them off when you remove it.
Don’t forget to study the maintenance guide and troubleshooting instructions.
Keeping it clean is a big part of caring for hearing aids, so be sure to understand all the hows and whys. Don’t stop at only cleaning the device, either. See what the manufacturer suggests for cleaning your ears, too.
It’s up to you to make sure you get the most from your new hearing aids. The process begins as you are shopping for them and continues when you begin wearing them. Get a hearing test with a hearing specialist to find out what kind of hearing aid will work best for you.
