5 Mistakes New Hearing Aid Owners Make (and How to Avoid Them)
You’ve got a brand new pair of hearing aids. Congratulations, it’s an excellent start to improving the quality of your life. When you have new technology like modern hearing aids, there is a lot to learn about how to use them, including the things you shouldn’t do. It’s not a long list: it only has four points, but they are important ones. Read on to learn what they are.
1. Using Them Straight from the Box and Into Your Ear
You’ll likely be very excited to get your new hearing aids at the first fitting. You’ll probably want to use them straight away, but that’s the wrong approach. You have to have a fitting in the first place to make sure they fit correctly. During that fitting, the audiologist will make sure the hearing aid sits comfortably in your ear and that the sound quality is as high as possible. Only then should you wear them.
2. Not Getting Regular Maintenance
After a while, hearing aids become grungy, dusty, and dirty. You might not notice it every day, but the longer you neglect maintenance, the worse it will become. Bacteria and ear wax can build up, affecting the hearing aid’s performance, but it can also break the seal to the ear canal and cause damage. It’s always a good idea to clean the aids regularly. If you don’t, you’ll want to head to the audiologist for a checkup.
3. Neglecting the Adjustment Factor
When you leave the audiologist’s office, you’ll be given an instruction sheet, but it will only cover a certain amount of your needs. You will usually need to adjust using the small controls on all hearing aids. You’ll need to learn how to adjust the volume, make sure the tone is correct, and make any other changes that might be needed. It’s a good idea to bring your manual with you to the office to learn how to do it, but be aware that the audiologist will probably want to make adjustments after you leave.
4. Not Getting a Proper Fitting
You can have the best hearing aids on the block, but they won’t do what you want them to if they fit your ears badly. You have to have a professional fitting. An audiologist will not let you leave with the hearing aids if they don’t fit properly. You’ll have to go back and live with your old hearing aids until a time when you can do a proper fitting.
5. Forgetting to Change the Batteries
Audiologists recommend hearing aids be changed every three to six months. You’ll need to change the batteries at least as often as every three months. They’ll run out a lot faster than you think. You should always have a good supply of batteries at home or in your purse or car. Getting a new battery shouldn’t be a problem, but if you wait too long, it might mean that you have to go back in to replace your hearing aid. You don’t want to go back because a battery has run out.
Conclusion
As with any new gadget, it takes getting used to several things. You’ll need to learn how to use your hearing aids, and the best way to do that is the old-fashioned way—practice. That’s the best way to avoid making many mistakes in the long run. Taking your hearing aids for granted will not work. You’ll need to understand how to use them, which means taking good care of them.
At last, affordable and discreet hearing aids are now available. Here at HearGlow, we aim to make hearing aids more accessible for the many millions around the world who are losing their hearing. We have come on the scene to help reduce those costs, by making hearing devices more affordable & accessible for the many millions around the world who are losing their hearing. If you need hearing aid accessories in Oregon, we’ve got you covered! Check what we have to offer!
Related Articles
