So you finally went out and purchased a new set of hearing aids. Taking the first step to enhance your Quality of life is a great accomplishment. There is a good deal to understand when you purchase new technology such as modern hearing aids, and that includes the things you shouldn’t do. It’s not a long list with hearing aids, but it is an important one.
It’s not simply about caring for your hearing aids, either. Your adjustment time will be delayed by the things you fail to 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. Putting in Your Hearing Aids Right After You Buy Them
If you don’t explore the features that come with the brand you bought and take the time to learn the basics of how your device works you could be missing powerful features. If you simply 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 ignore.
You can work on fine-tuning the hearing aid and figure out how to get the best sound quality by being patient and reading the user manual.
You should have a basic understanding of what your hearing aids can accomplish when you buy them. Now you need to learn how to use and that which takes a little time.
2. Take Into Consideration The Adjustment Period
Your eyes need to adapt to the difference in the lenses and the shape of the frame 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 require if you are new to wearing hearing aids. Adjusting to new hearing aids quickly is all about consistency.
Put them in your ear and don’t keep taking them out. Often, new users feel an urge to keep removing them. That urge needs to be ignored. Consider why you might be uncomfortable.
- Is the noise too loud? Perhaps you should turn the volume down.
- 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 and talk with a friend. Ask if you are talking too loud. This will help you make adjustments to balance out the sound.
- If it is uncomfortable, take out the hearing aids for short time periods until you get used to it. Go back to the retailer and have your hearing aids inspected if they don’t really fit properly..
Giving up is the biggest mistake you can make. If you stuff your hearing aids in a drawer and forget about them, they won’t do you any good.
3. When You First Get Your Hearing Aid, Have it Fitted
There is a lot involved in finding the proper hearing aids, and it begins before you even start looking. When you are at the audiologist, if you are not honest about what you can and can’t hear during your test, 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 example, some hearing aids by design amplify a high-frequency sound. These are not the best hearing aids for you if you don’t hear mid or low tones.
In many situations, hearing aids may not really fit your lifestyle. Bluetooth technology is a feature that you will want if you use a phone allot.
Take note of when you wish your hearing aid did something different or when they aren’t working properly while you are still in the trial period. Your hearing aid technician can discuss that with you if you bring them back. You might need a different type of device or you might just need an adjustment.
Most retailers do free fittings so makes certain to find one of them when you get your hearing aids. They can’t be too big for your ears or they won’t function right.
4. Poor 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 pair.
There are things you shouldn’t do with your hearing aids in such as using hair care products when you have 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.
A big part of caring for hearing aids is cleaning so be sure that you understand how to do it. Don’t stop at only cleaning the device, either. Correctly cleaning your ears is important too.
If you want to get the most from your hearing aids, it’s up to you. It’s a continuing process from shopping to use. Schedule a hearing test with a hearing professional to find out what type of hearing aid will work best for you.