You’ve waited far too long but you finally bought a set of hearing aids. Well done, it’s a good start to improving the quality of your life. There is a lot to learn when you purchase new technology like modern hearing aids, and that includes the things you shouldn’t do. The list with hearing aids is not long, but it’s a significant one.
It’s not only about taking care of your hearing aids, either. Your adjustment time will be delayed by the things you don’t do and your hearing aids will be less effective. 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 could be ignoring powerful features if you don’t put in the time to understand the basics of how your hearing aid works and explore the features that come with the brand. If you just turn on your hearing aids and put them in, more than likely they won’t work effectively. Bluetooth and noise filters are some of the best features that you may also lose out on.
Conversely, if you simply slow it down a little and read the documentation that came with the device, you can learn how to attain the cleanest sound quality and practice various adjustments that maximize the hearing aid’s function.
You will already have a general understanding of what your hearing aids can do by the time you buy them. Now, spend some time learning how to use them.
2. Neglect the Adjustment Factor
Your eyes need to adjust to the difference in the lenses and the shape of the frame when you get new glasses. This also goes for hearing aids. The sound quality is not just magically enjoyed by new hearing aid owners. It doesn’t work that way.
There is an adjustment period your ears will need if you are new to wearing hearing aids. Quick adjustment depends on consistent use.
Leave them in place once you’ve put them in. You should fight the urge to keep taking them out. If you are not comfortable, ask yourself why.
- Is the noise too loud? Perhaps you should 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 them if you are talking too loud. In this way, you can balance the sound out by making adjustments.
- Take the hearing aid out if it gets uncomfortable for short periods. Go back to the seller and have your hearing aids inspected if they don’t seem to fit right..
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. Neglect Getting a Proper Fitting Upfront
Finding the right hearing aids begins before you start actually shopping and there is a lot to it. 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. Hearing aids that aren’t The right ones for your type or level of hearing loss can be the result. For instance, some hearing aids by design pick up a high-frequency sound. If your hearing loss impedes your ability to hear mid-range or low sounds, the hearing aids won’t work correctly for you.
In many circumstances, hearing aids may not seem to fit your lifestyle. Perhaps you spend two-thirds of your day on the phone, so you will want hearing aids with Bluetooth technology.
While you are still in the trial period for your new hearing aids, write down the times where you wished your hearing aids did something different or when it felt like they didn’t function right. Your hearing aid technician can discuss those problems with you if you bring them back. It could just take an adjustment, or perhaps you require a different type of device.
Most retailers do free fittings so be sure to find one of them when you buy your hearing aids. They can’t be too big for your ears or they won’t work properly.
4. Neglected Maintenance
Knowing when and how to maintain your hearing aids are the keys to success. Take the time to figure out how to take care of your hearing aids even if this isn’t your first rodeo.
When you get the hearing aids, Take a close look at at the warning signs listed in the documentation such as using hair products with your hearing aids in or failing to turn them off when you take it out.
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 make sure you understand all the hows and whys. Don’t stop at just cleaning the device, either. You also have to correctly clean your ears.
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 start wearing them. Make an appointment with a hearing care professional to find out what type of hearing aid will best fit your needs.