4 Errors New Hearing Aid Owners Make (and How to Avoid Them)

Man adjusting to new hearing aids by adjusting volume on his smartphone.

Finally, you got some hearing aids. Nice job taking the first step to improve your life. 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. Concerning hearing aids the list is important even though it’s short.

Caring for your hearing is not the only consideration. Your adjustment time will be delayed by the things you fail to do and your hearing aids 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

You might be ignoring powerful features if you don’t take some time to understand the basics of how your hearing aid functions and discover the features that come with the brand. It’s likely that if you simply turn on your new hearing aid and put them right in, they won’t work effectively for you. Bluetooth and noise filters are some of the best features that you may also miss out on.

You can figure out how to get the cleanest sound quality and practice the numerous adjustments that improve the hearing aid’s function if you just take your time and study the included documentation.

you’ll have a general idea of what the hearing aids can accomplish when you purchase them. Now, take some time to learn how to use them.

2. Consider The Adjustment Period

Your eyes need to adjust to the difference in the lenses and the shape of the frame when you get a new pair of glasses. The same is true for hearing aids. High quality sound in a new hearing aid does not happen by magic. That’s an unrealistic expectation.

Your ears will need a couple days to adapt to what is a massive change, particularly if you haven’t worn hearing aids in the past. Consistency is the key to adjusting quickly to your new hearing aids.

Once you’ve put them in leave them in. At first, you may need to fight the need to take them out every few minutes. Consider why you might be uncomfortable.

  • 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.
  • Is the noise too loud? Perhaps you should turn down the volume.
  • Does the background noise seem overwhelming? Go to a quiet place for a few minutes when you first put them in each day. Sit down and talk with a friend. Ask if you are talking too loud. In this way, you can balance the sound out by making adjustments.

Don’t make a huge mistake and give up on your hearing aid. Your hearing aids will do you no good thrown in a drawer and forgotten about.

3. When You First Buy Your Hearing Aid, Have it Fitted

There is a lot involved in finding the proper hearing aids, and it begins before you even start shopping. While at your hearing test at the audiologist, it’s important to be honest about what you can and can’t hear. Hearing aids that aren’t right for your type or level of hearing loss can be the result. Some hearing aids pick up a high-frequency sound by design for instance. If you have a difficult time hearing mid or low sounds, these are not the ideal hearing aids for you.

Your lifestyle, in many cases may not seem well compatible with hearing aids. If you have to be on your phone allot you will want to get a hearing aid that has Bluetooth technology.

Make a note of when you think your hearing aids aren’t functioning right or you wish they did something different when you’re still in the trial period. You can return to the hearing care technician and talk about those problems. An adjustment may be needed or you may need a different device.

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 work properly.

4. Sloppy Maintenance

Often inadequate upkeep is simply a matter of not understanding when you should or shouldn’t do something or how to do it. Take the time to learn how to take care of your hearing aids even if this isn’t your first pair.

After you get the hearing aids, look closely at the warning signs listed in the user manual like using hair products with your hearing aids in or not turning them off when you take it out.

Don’t forget to study the maintenance guide and troubleshooting instructions.

Cleaning is an important part of caring for hearing aids, so be sure to understand all the hows and whys. Don’t quit at only cleaning the device, either. Correctly cleaning your ears is essential too.

You have to take the initiative if you want to get the most from your hearing aids. It’s a continuing process from shopping to use. Make an appointment with a hearing care professional to learn what kind of hearing aid will best fit your needs.

The site information is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. To receive personalized advice or treatment, schedule an appointment.