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You had a hearing test, consulted with your audiologist and picked out your hearing aids. These are all great steps, but there’s still a bit more to do to maximize your hearing experience. Let’s examine four common mistakes new hearing aid owners make and how you can avoid them.
#1 Not Reading the Instructions
Many users think they can pop their hearing aids in the second they take them out of the box, head out to dinner at Blue Moose and experience perfect hearing. Sadly, this is not the case. Hearing aid technology has become pretty advanced and it’s important to learn things like how to activate Bluetooth™ or use noise filters. Read through your instruction manual and spend some time learning about your device to get the most out of it.
#2 Being Impatient During Adjustment Phase
Research shows that users take time to adjust to a new device and that the benefits improve over the first 10 weeks of use. However, many hearing aid users can become impatient and even stop using their device if it doesn’t work exactly how they hoped right away. Begin slowly and make sure to wear your device consistently.
Start in quiet settings with just your partner or a friend and see what sounds right and what isn’t working. Track your progress and make note of any issues you continue to experience so you can let your hearing specialist know. That way they can make appropriate adjustments.
#3 Not Communicating with Your Audiologist
From being honest about what you can and cannot hear during your initial exam to letting your audiologist know how things feel during your fitting, honesty is the best policy when it comes to communicating your hearing needs. Your audiologist wants to provide you with the best care possible, but that can only happen if they know what issues you are experiencing.
#4 Forgetting to Clean Your Device
Earwax, moisture and other elements can build up and wreak havoc on your device. It’s important to develop a regular cleaning routine for your hearing aids. Wipe your device off with a soft, dry cloth every night, and make sure to store them somewhere safe when they are not in use.
Also, don’t forget to go in for regular checkups with your hearing aid expert every six months to a year to ensure your device works well and will provide high-quality hearing for years to come.
To learn more about hearing aids or to schedule an appointment, contact Topeka ENT today