5 Mistakes Every New Hearing Aid Owner Makes

Getting a new hearing aid can be an exciting experience. Patients can improve their hearing and quality of life significantly. Being able to hear people in conversations and listen to birdsong can make a tremendous difference. 

Unfortunately, not all patients know how to use or care for their hearing aids, leading to sub-par results. This post explores five mistakes every new hearing aid owner makes – and how you can avoid them. Learn more below. 

Believing That Improvements in Hearing Occur Immediately

Given that hearing aids amplify incoming sounds, many patients believe they should offer hearing improvements immediately. However, that’s not how it works. That’s because it takes time for the brain to adjust to the new stimulation, often up to a month. 

Therefore, don’t throw out your hearing aids if they fail to offer improvements immediately. Instead, keep returning to your audiologist for calibrations and setting changes. They will explain to you that the adjustment process can take a while.

You can also try adapting your environment to adjust to new hearing aid use more gradually. Don’t immediately go to a music concert or a loud bar. Instead, spend time in your home or have quiet chats with friends. This way, you can ease yourself into the process more gently. 

Failing to Get a Hearing Aid Fitted Properly

Many new hearing aid owners buy their devices over the counter. However, this approach can lead to problems. The main issue is you don’t know the nature and extent of your hearing loss. You don’t have to take a hearing test when you buy products online so you have no idea what settings you should choose on your hearing aid. 

Audiologists believe that the fitting is as important as purchasing the device. The two go hand in hand. Getting one without the other doesn’t make sense. You could wind up inputting the wrong settings for your hearing loss and fail to derive any value from your investment. 

Going for a hearing fitting offers the following benefits:

• The construction of earmolds that fit your ears perfectly, letting you wear your hearing aids comfortably all-day.
• An assessment of the nature of your hearing loss so that audiologists can calibrate your device’s settings properly.

Failing to Plan How You Will Use Your Hearing Aids

You can also get into trouble if you fail to plan how you’ll use your hearing aids. For instance, you should purchase water-proof varieties if you plan to go swimming. Similarly, you may require devices without external parts if you play contact sports. In-the-ear (ITE) devices bring the battery, microphone and speaker inside the ear. 

Remember, you’ll be wearing hearing aids for many years. Hence, devices must suit your lifestyle. 

Failing to Maintain Your Hearing Aids Correctly

Manufacturers add various features to modern hearing aids to make them more robust. However, they are not indestructible. Without proper care, they can break. Fortunately, getting into the habit of maintaining your hearing aids is relatively easy. Here’s what you need to do: 

• Avoid taking your hearing aids into the shower or bathroom unless you know they’re waterproof. 
• Clean earwax off your hearing aids regularly to prevent it from getting into the internals and damaging them. Never use water to clean your devices. 
• Leave your hearing aid in a dry place or zero-moisture box overnight, particularly if you live in a humid climate. This method will prevent moisture from damaging your device’s sensitive internals over time
• Don’t wear your hearing aid while playing contact sport unless your audiologist says it’s okay. Devices with external components are at risk. 

Failing to Bring a Spare Set of Batteries with You

Alkaline batteries last a long time, but they can run out without warning. To replace them, you’ll need a spare battery that’s compatible with your device. Rechargeable batteries are sometimes removable and sometimes not. Bring a spare battery with you wherever you go if you have the option of replacing it with a new one. 

It can be hard to predict the life of a hearing aid battery because devices consume differing power levels depending on the situation. Fortunately, modern hearing aids can provide you with an advanced warning if they are running flat. 

If you believe you have hearing loss or require a hearing aid fitting, get in touch with Two Rivers Hearing at (321) 499-2488 to arrange an appointment. Our team is happy to assist with any hearing aid issues you may have.