You’ve got a set of new hearing aids. Good job taking the first step to enhance your quality of life. There is a lot to learn when you buy new technology such as modern hearing aids, and that includes the things you shouldn’t do. The list with hearing aids is not huge, but it’s a significant one.
There are other considerations besides simply caring for your hearing. 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 other people in your situation have made; contemplate 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 learn the basics of how your hearing aids function and exploring the features that come with the brand you bought you may be ignoring powerful features. Most likely if you just turn your new device on 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 miss out on.
In contrast, if you simply slow it down a bit and read the documentation that came with the device, you can determine how to get the cleanest sound quality and practice various adjustments that maximize the hearing aid’s function.
When you purchase your new hearing aids you will have a basic idea of what they can do. Now you have to learn how to use them which takes a little time.
2. Neglect the Adjustment Factor
Whenever you get a new pair of glasses, your eyes require time to adjust to the difference in the lenses or the shape of the frame. The same is true for hearing aids. Some new hearing aid owners think they will automatically enjoy this fantastic new sound quality. It doesn’t work that way.
There is an adaptation period your ears will require if you’re new to hearing aids. Quick adaptation depends on consistent use.
Put them in your ear and don’t keep taking them out. At first, you may need to fight the need to take them out every few minutes. Consider why you might be uncomfortable.
- If it is uncomfortable, take the hearing aid out for short time periods until you get used to it. Go back to the seller and have your hearing aids inspected if they don’t really fit properly..
- Is the noise too loud? Perhaps you need to turn down the volume.
- Does the background noise seem overwhelming? Go to a quiet place for a few minutes when you first put them in each day. Sit and talk with a friend. Ask if you are talking too loud. This will help you make adjustments to balance out the sound.
Giving up is the worst mistake you can make. If you just forget about your hearing aids, shoving them in a drawer somewhere, they won’t do you any good.
3. Have the Hearing Aid Fitted When You First Get it
Getting the right hearing aids begins before you start actually shopping and there is a lot to it. While at your hearing test at the audiologist, it’s important to tell the truth about what you can and can’t hear. You might end 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 as an example. These are not the correct hearing aids for you if you don’t hear mid or low tones.
In many cases, hearing aids may not seem to fit your lifestyle. Bluetooth technology is a feature that you will want if you use a phone allot.
Take note of when you think your hearing aids aren’t working correctly or you wish they did something different while you’re still in the trial period. You can go back and talk about those issues with your hearing care technician. An adjustment may be required or you may need a different device.
Most retailers do free fittings so makes sure to find one of them when you get your hearing aids. If they are too big for your ears they won’t work properly.
4. Neglected Maintenance
Successful upkeep of your hearing aids begins with understanding how and when to do it. Even if you’ve used hearing aids in the past you need to take the time to understand how to take care of your new device.
There are things you shouldn’t do with your hearing aids in like using hair products with them in or removing them without turning them off so read your user manual.
Don’t forget to read the maintenance guide and troubleshooting instructions.
Understand precisely how to clean your hearing aids as that’s a big part of effective maintenance. The hearing aid is not the only thing that needs to be cleaned. Correctly cleaning your ears is crucial too.
If you want to get the most out of your hearing aids, it’s up to you. It’s an ongoing process from shopping to use. Make an appointment with a hearing care professional to find out what kind of hearing aid will best fit your needs.