Hearing aids are a valuable accessory for those with hearing difficulties. However, if you’re new to hearing aids, there are some common mistakes new owners make that reduce the durability of their devices and limit their options. Understanding how to use hearing aids properly can improve your auditory experience, as well as heighten your quality of life.
When Do You Need Hearing Aids?
Identifying hearing loss can be a tricky affair. Most hearing issues stem from high-frequency sounds that create the perception that other people are not audible enough. Men experience hearing loss more frequently than women, with age being an important factor in continued hearing loss.
Hearing issues can result in a reduced quality of life, lowered concentration, and damaged productivity among affected individuals. As such, it is best to have regular checkups to identify any potential problems before the condition develops.
If you’ve recently found out that you experience hearing issues, don’t worry. At Wichita Falls Hearing, we’re dedicated to providing only the best hearing health care for the residents of Wichita Falls, Graham, Vernon, and North Texas.
The Most Common Mistakes New Hearing Aid Owners Make
A hearing aid can help you improve your hearing ability considerably. Initially, new hearing aid users may have some problems adjusting to their new devices. At Wichita Falls Hearing, we provide leading hearing instrument technology from a variety of manufacturers, so we can help you meet your individual needs. Once you’ve received your hearing aid, however, here are some mistakes you should try to avoid.
Putting On Hearing Aids Immediately After Buying Them
Putting on hearing aids right after buying them is never a good idea. Instead, take time to check on the device features, specifications, and other documents attached to the packaging.
You should pay attention to the product specifications and installation instructions of different hearing aids. You are more likely to miss out on additional features if you neglect the product description—a mistake that is more common among new first-time users.
It might take up to four weeks for your brain to adjust to the new sound adjustments. Medical practitioners recommend using your hearing aids a few hours a day during the adjustment period. Also, remember to consult a hearing care specialist for information on proper maintenance techniques.
Wearing Your Hearing Aids All Day from the Very Beginning
Don’t attempt to wear your hearing aids from morning to night on day 1. You don’t lose your hearing all at once. Likewise, getting it back all at once can be difficult to handle. Some first-time users even experience headaches, fatigue, irritability, or physical discomfort from wearing them for too long.
It is important to start small—try wearing them for just 4 to 6 hours a day in the beginning. After this, you can gradually increase the time until you are comfortable wearing them all day.
Purchasing Hearing Aids That Do Not Fit Well
It is crucial to choose a hearing aid that suits your needs. A common mistake new hearing aid owners commit is buying poorly fitting devices. The problem is more common in over-the-counter products versus those fitted by experienced hearing care specialists.
Poorly fitting hearing aids can be a nuisance. The products can cause discomfort, irritation, and other disorders that might discourage the owner from wearing hearing aids for prolonged periods.
There are different types of hearing aids available on the market. Choosing the right hearing aid essentially depends on your lifestyle, type of hearing loss, the severity of your hearing loss, your budget, etc.
Typical models of hearing aids include:
- Behind-The-Ear (BTE)
- Completely-In-Canal (CIC)
- In-The-Ear (ITE)
- Receiver-In-Canal (RIC)
Always consult with a trained professional for advice on the best hearing aid to use for your hearing loss.
Poor Maintenance
Poor maintenance can cause numerous problems with your hearing device. Hearing aids are complex equipment that requires constant care and maintenance to remain reliable.
Some common maintenance mistakes when using a hearing aid include:
- Failing to keep your hearing aids away from water and other humid conditions.
- Insufficient charging of the batteries.
- Mishandling the devices.
- Using the wrong type of wax filters.
It is advisable to schedule a professional cleaning service appointment when using hearing aids for prolonged periods. You should also consult a professional to fix damaged hearing aids.
Not Cleaning the Hearing Aids Themselves at Home
It is best to clean your hearing aids every morning before you put them in. It is a fairly easy process and only takes a couple of minutes. If you make cleaning your hearing aids a part of your everyday morning routine, you can make sure that they remain in good working condition for a long time.
If you are unsure how to clean your hearing aids, drop by Wichita Falls Hearing, and we’ll be happy to show you how.
Disregarding Adjustment Features
It is never a good idea to ignore the additional features of your hearing aid. Most devices contain extra options that can be useful when improving your hearing experience.
Some hearing aids allow you to adjust the frequency spectrum of your device based on your needs. You might also find additional features such as noise cancellation, wind suppression, directionality, and other options to boost your hearing experience.
Skipping Follow Up Visits
Follow-up care is crucial to the long-term performance of your hearing aids. It is advisable to have them cleaned professionally every three months. You should also book an appointment with your hearing instrument specialist every six months to ensure the device is working properly.
Modern hearing aids can be customized to help users hear better. But, if you don’t communicate with your specialist about changes in your hearing, they won’t be able to reprogram them to better serve you. So, get your hearing tested annually and make sure to report any hearing difficulties to your provider so they can adjust your hearing aids accordingly.
Wichita Falls Hearing Is Here for All Your Hearing Needs
Wichita Falls Hearing is a qualified group of professionals specializing in hearing aids, hearing tests, hearing protection, hearing aid service and repair, etc. You can schedule an appointment with us by checking our website or calling us at 833-999-1940.
We have offices in Wichita Falls, Vernon, and Graham. Visit us today for a personalized hearing experience.