Finally, you bought a set of hearing aids. Taking the first step to improve your life is an awesome accomplishment. There is a good deal to learn when you buy new technology such as modern hearing aids, and that includes the things you shouldn’t do. With hearing aids the list is significant even though it’s not very long.
It’s not only about taking care of your hearing aids, either. Your adjustment time will be slowed by the things you don’t do and your device will be less effective. 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. Straight Out of the Box Into Your Ear
You may be disregarding powerful features if you don’t take some time to learn the basics of how your hearing aid functions and explore the features that come with the brand. If you simply turn on your hearing aids and put them in, more than likely they won’t work effectively. You might also miss out on the best features such as Bluetooth or noise filters.
On the other hand, if you simply slow it down somewhat and read the documentation that came with the device, you can figure out how to attain the cleanest sound quality and practice the various configurations that improve the hearing aid’s function.
You will already have a basic understanding of what your hearing aids can do when you purchase them. It will take a little more time but you need to learn how to use them correctly.
2. Take Into Consideration The Adjustment Period
Your eyes need to adjust to the difference in the lenses and the shape of the frame when you get new glasses. There is also an adaptation period with hearing aids. The sound quality is not just magically enjoyed by new hearing aid owners. It doesn’t work that way.
If you haven’t ever worn hearing aids, it’s a significant change and your ears will require some time to adapt. Consistency is the key to adjusting quickly to new hearing aids.
Leave them in your ear once you’ve put them in. You should resist the urge to keep removing them. Ask yourself why you might be uncomfortable.
- Until you get used to it, take the hearing aid out when it gets uncomfortable. Go back to the seller and have your hearing aids examined if they don’t really fit right..
- Is the noise too loud? Perhaps you should turn the volume down.
- Are you overwhelmed by the background noise? Go to a quiet place for a few minutes when you first put them in each day. Sit with a friend and talk. Ask them if you are talking too loud. In this way, you can balance out the sound by making adjustments.
Giving up is the biggest mistake you can make. Your hearing aids will do you no good thrown in a drawer and left behind.
3. Neglect Getting a Professional Fitting Upfront
Finding the right hearing aids begins before you start actually shopping and there is a lot to it. When you are at the audiologist, if you are not telling the truth about what you can and can’t hear at your exam, that’s a problem. Hearing aids that aren’t The right ones for your type or level of hearing loss can be the result. Some hearing aids pick up a high-frequency sound by design for example. If your hearing loss impedes your ability to hear mid-range or low tones, the hearing aids won’t work correctly for you.
Your lifestyle, in many cases may not seem well compatible with hearing aids. Bluetooth technology is a feature that you will want if you use a phone allot.
Take note of when you want your hearing aid to do something different or when they aren’t working properly while you are still in the trial period. You can go back and talk about those issues with your hearing aid technician. An adjustment may be required or you may need a different device.
Make sure you purchase your hearing aids from a retailer that does fittings, too. If they are too big for your ears they won’t function properly.
4. Sloppy Maintenance
Sometimes poor maintenance is merely a matter of not knowing when you should or shouldn’t do something or how to do it. Even if you’ve used hearing aids in the past you need to take the time to learn how to care for your new device.
There are some things you shouldn’t do when you have your hearing aids in such as using hair products with them in or removing them without turning them off so consult your user manual.
Don’t forget to read the maintenance guide and troubleshooting instructions.
A big part of taking care of hearing aids is cleaning so be sure that you know how to do it. The hearing aid is not the only thing that needs to be cleaned. Correctly cleaning your ears is essential too.
If you want to get the most out of your hearing aids, it’s up to you. The process begins as you are shopping for them and continues when you begin wearing them. Get a hearing test to find out what type of hearing aid will work best for you.