How to Use Hearing Aids

If you have recently seen an audiologist regarding any hearing loss you might be experiencing, you aren’t alone; around 50 million people in the US have hearing loss. However, whereas in the past there wouldn’t have been much that could be done, thanks to amazing technology and advancements in science, today hearing loss can be easily dealt with. Hearing aids are an audiologist’s main tool against hearing loss. 

Hearing aids allow people to return to normal life to such an extent that they no longer think about their hearing loss. Of course, there will be maintenance to carry out, batteries to change and charge, settings to get right, but with a little perseverance and some expert advice, once you get comfortable with your hearing aids, it will make all the difference. 

What you need to remember about hearing aids is that they are complex pieces of technology that incorporate many different elements to bring your hearing back to a good level. This is why you can’t simply buy hearing aids like you can buy reading glasses; there is a lot more to the process. Read on to find out how to wear your hearing aids for the best possible results. 

The right fit 

Before you can enjoy the level of hearing that a hearing aid can give you, you need to ensure they fit correctly. This is something that your audiologist will be able to help you with, so if you have any questions it’s good to ask them as early as you can in the process of finding you the right hearing aids. 

During the process of determining which hearing aid is going to give you the best hearing overall, your audiologist will have taken measurements and these would have been used to create the hearing aid for you. When you receive your hearing aids, try putting them in your ears and taking them out again several times; you need to make sure that you can do this and that when you do, the hearing aids are comfortable. Never try to force the hearing aids as you can accidentally damage them. Be aware that your hearing aids may be uncomfortable at first until you get used to them; if they continue to be uncomfortable you must speak to your audiologist to address the issue. 

Increase usage time gradually

If your hearing loss was pronounced and you begin to use hearing aids to improve it, the difference may be surprising. It is often best to start using your hearing aids gradually, starting with 30 minutes in the morning and again in the evening, and building up the time you spend wearing them until you can use them all the time – or as much of the time as you want to. 

Gradually increase the time you wear your hearing aids each day and you will feel much more comfortable, and it will allow your brain to process the new sounds you are hearing more accurately. This also gives you a lot of time to practice inserting and removing the hearing aids so you feel more confident doing this. 

It is also highly recommended that you only use your hearing aid at home to begin with. Although you are sure to be excited about improving your hearing through this using your new device, outside sounds can be much louder than those inside and it can take longer to adapt to external noises. 

Caring for your hearing aids

Something else that it is worth finding out as much about as possible is how to care for your hearing aids. As well as understanding how they work, what they can do, and how to wear them, knowing how to take care of them and keep them safe is crucial. 

Cleaning your hearing aid is the most important element of maintenance; a dirty hearing aid may not work properly, reducing your hearing ability. Plus, when you regularly clean your device, it will last for much longer. To understand the best equipment to use to keep your hearing aids clean, speak to your audiologist for advice. 

For help and advice speak to Physicians Hearing Center 

No matter whether you are at the start of your hearing loss journey or you have been wearing hearing aids for some time now, it is always good to speak to an expert about how to properly use and take care of your hearing aids. At Physicians Hearing Center we can offer professional help and advice when you need it. Call (334) 441-4090 for more information.