You’ve put off far too long but you finally invested in a set of hearing aids. Congratulations, it’s an excellent start to maximizing the quality of your life. There is a good deal to understand when you invest in new technology like modern hearing aids, and that includes the things you shouldn’t do. It’s not a huge list when it comes to hearing aids, but it is an important one.
There are other things to consider besides just taking care of your hearing. Your adjustment time will be delayed by the things you fail to do and your hearing aids will be less effective. It’s time to learn from the mistakes others in your shoes 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
If you don’t explore the features that are included 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. Chances are if you just turn on your new hearing aid and put them right in, they won’t work effectively for you. You might also miss out on the best features such as Bluetooth and noise filters.
Conversely, if you simply slow it down somewhat and read the included documentation, you can learn how to get the cleanest sound quality and work on the various configurations that maximize the hearing aid’s function.
When you pick your new hearing aids you will have a basic idea of what they can do. Now, take some time to learn how to use them.
2. It Takes Time For Your Ears to Adjust
Your eyes need to adjust to the shape of the frame and the difference in lenses when you get new glasses. There is also an adjustment period with hearing aids. High quality sound in a new hearing aid does not happen by magic. That’s an unrealistic expectation.
There is an adaptation period your ears will need if you’re new to hearing aids. Consistency is the key to adjusting quickly to your new hearing aids.
Put them in your ear and leave them in place. Often, new users feel an urge to keep taking them out. That urge needs to be resisted. If you are not comfortable, ask yourself why.
- If it is uncomfortable, take the hearing aid out for short intervals until you get used to it. If the hearing aids just don’t really fit right, go back to the seller and have them checked.
- Does the background noise seem overwhelming? Every day when you first put them in you should go to a quiet place for a few minutes. Sit and talk with a friend. Ask them if you are talking too loud. In this way, you can balance out the sound by making adjustments.
- Is the sound too loud? Perhaps you need to turn down the volume.
The most substantial mistake you can make is giving up. Your hearing aids won’t do any good thrown in a drawer and forgotten about.
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 an issue. You could end up with hearing aids that aren’t right for your level or type of hearing loss. For example, some hearing aids by design amplify a high-frequency sound. These are not the correct hearing aids for you if you don’t hear mid or low tones.
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.
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 work correctly. You can return to the hearing aid technician and discuss those problems. An adjustment may be needed or you may possibly need a different device.
When you buy your hearing aids be certain to go to a retailer that does free fittings. They can’t be too big for your ears or they won’t function properly.
4. Careless Maintenance
Knowing when and how to Take care of 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 pair.
When you get your hearing aids, look closely at the warning signs listed in the documentation such as using hair care products with your hearing aids in or failing to turn them off when you take it out.
Always, study the troubleshooting instructions and the maintenance guide.
Understand precisely how to clean your hearing aids as that’s an important part of effective maintenance. Don’t stop at only cleaning the device, either. Properly cleaning your ears is important too.
It’s up to you to make sure you get the most from your new hearing aids. The process starts as you are shopping for them and continues when you start using them. Schedule a hearing test with a hearing professional to learn what type of hearing aid will best fit your needs.