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

You’ve purchased a pair of new hearing aids. Congrats, it’s an excellent start to maximizing the quality of your life. There is a good deal to understand when you buy new technology like 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 caring for your hearing aids, either. Your adjustment time will be slowed by the things you don’t do and your hearing aids will be less effective. It’s time to learn from the mistakes other people in your shoes have made; contemplate these four things you shouldn’t do with those new hearing aids.

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

You could be ignoring powerful features if you don’t take the time to learn the basics of how your hearing aid works and explore the features that come with the brand. Chances are if you simply turn your new device on and put them right in, they won’t work effectively for you. You may also miss out on the best features such as Bluetooth and noise filters.

You can practice fine-tuning the hearing aid and figure out how to get the best sound quality by being patient and reading the documentation.

you’ll have a general idea of what your hearing aids can accomplish when you buy them. Now, spend some time learning how to use them.

2. Underestimate the Adjustment Factor

Your eyes need to adapt to the shape of the frame and the difference in lenses when you get a new pair of glasses. This is also true when it comes to hearing aids. High quality sound in a new hearing aid does not happen by magic. That’s not how it works.

There is an adaptation period your ears will need if you’re new to wearing hearing aids. Quick adjustment depends on consistent use.

Leave them in your ear once you’ve put them in. You need to fight the urge to keep removing them. Consider why you might be uncomfortable.

  • 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 and talk with a friend. Ask if you are talking too loud. This will help you make adjustments to balance out the sound.
  • Is the audio too loud? Maybe you should turn the volume down.
  • Until you get used to it, take the hearing aid out when it gets uncomfortable. If the hearing aids just don’t seem to fit right, go back to the retailer and have them checked.

The most substantial mistake you can make is to give up. Your hearing aids will do you no good shoved in a drawer and forgotten about.

3. Fail to Get a Proper Fitting Upfront

Finding the right hearing aids begins before you start actually shopping and there is a lot to it. If you are not telling the truth about what you can and can’t hear during the hearing test at the audiologist, that’s an issue. 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 as an example. If you have a tough time hearing mid or low tones, these are not the best hearing aids for you.

Your lifestyle, in many cases may not seem well suited to hearing aids. 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’re not functioning properly when you are still in the trial period. You can go back to the hearing care technician and discuss those problems. You may need a different type of device or you might just need an adjustment.

Most retailers do free fittings so makes sure to find one of them when you purchase your hearing aids. If they are too big for your ears they won’t function properly.

4. Neglected Maintenance

Often poor upkeep is merely a question of not understanding when you should or shouldn’t do something or how to do it. Take the time to understand how to take care of your new device even if you’ve used hearing aids in the past.

When you buy your hearing aids, Take a close look at at the warning signs listed in the documentation including using hair products with your hearing aids in or failing to turn them off when you remove it.

Additionally, study the troubleshooting instructions and the maintenance guide.

Cleaning is a big part of caring for hearing aids, so be sure to understand all the hows and whys. Don’t stop at just cleaning the device, either. Properly cleaning your ears is crucial too.

It’s up to you to make sure you get the most out of your new hearing aids. It’s a continuing process from shopping to use. Make an appointment with a hearing care professional to learn what type of hearing aid will work best for you.

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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