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

So you finally went out and purchased a new set of hearing aids. Good job taking the first step to improve your life. Modern hearing aids are newer technology and there are things you should learn to do and things that you should learn not to 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 don’t do and your device will be less useful. Now learn from the mistakes other people in your shoes have made; think about these four things you shouldn’t do with those new hearing aids.

1. Putting in Your Hearing Aids Right After You Buy Them

Without spending some time to understand the basics of how your hearing aids work and checking out the features that come with the brand you purchased you may be overlooking powerful features. Most likely if you just turn your new device on and start wearing them, they won’t work efficiently for you. You might also lose out on the best features such as Bluetooth and noise filters.

You can figure out how to get the clearest sound quality and work on the various configurations that improve the hearing aid’s function if you merely take your time and read the included documentation.

When you pick your hearing aids you will have a general understanding of what they can do. It will take a little more time but you need to learn how to operate them correctly.

2. Take Into Consideration The Adjustment Period

Your eyes need to adapt to the change in the lenses and the shape of the frame when you get new glasses. There is also an adjustment period with hearing aids. The sound quality is not just magically enjoyed by new hearing aid owners. That’s an unrealistic expectation.

If you haven’t ever worn hearing aids, it’s a big change and your ears will need some time to adapt. Consistency is the secret to adjusting quickly to your new hearing aids.

Leave them in your ear once you’ve put them in. At first, you may need to fight the urge to take them out every few minutes. If you are not comfortable, consider why.

  • If it is uncomfortable, take out the hearing aids for short time periods until you get used to it. If the hearing aids just don’t really fit right, go back to the seller and have them inspected.
  • Are you overwhelmed by the background noise? Every day when you first put them in you should go to a quiet place for a few minutes. Sit with a friend and talk. Ask if you are talking too loud. By doing this, you can balance out the sound by making adjustments.
  • Is the sound too loud? Perhaps you need to turn down the volume.

The biggest mistake you can make is giving up. If you just forget about your hearing aids, leaving them in a drawer somewhere, they won’t do you any good.

3. Fail to Get a Proper Fitting Upfront

There is a lot involved in getting the right hearing aids, and it begins before you even start looking. During your hearing exam at the audiologist, it’s important to be honest about what you can and can’t hear. Hearing aids that aren’t The right ones for your type or level of hearing loss can be the result. For instance, some hearing aids by design pick up a high-frequency sound. These are not the correct hearing aids for you if you can’t hear mid or low tones.

In many situations, hearing aids might not really fit your lifestyle. If you have to be on your phone allot you will want to get a hearing aid that has Bluetooth technology.

Write down when you want your hearing aid to do something different or when they aren’t functioning properly while you are still in the trial period. You can go back to the hearing care technician and talk about those problems. You might need a different type of device or you might just need an adjustment.

Make sure you get your hearing aids from a seller that does fittings, too. They can’t be too big for your ears or they won’t work right.

4. Sloppy Maintenance

Understanding 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.

When you get the hearing aids, Take a close look at at the warning signs listed in the user manual including using hair products with your hearing aids in or failing to turn them off when you take it out.

Additionally, study the troubleshooting instructions and the maintenance guide.

A big part of taking care of hearing aids is cleaning so be certain to know how to do it. The hearing aid is not the only thing that requires cleaning. Find out what the manufacturer suggests for cleaning your ears, too.

You have to take the initiative if you want to get the most out of your hearing aids. It’s a continuing process from shopping to use. Schedule a hearing test with a hearing professional to learn what type 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.
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