5 Mistakes Every New Hearing Aid Owner Makes

A hearing aid is a great device that allows people with hearing issues to communicate and hear well again. Like any other device, it can take some getting used to. You may have to spend time adjusting to hearing all the small sounds again. There are few common mistakes that first-time hearing aid wearers sometimes make. Here’s what hearing aid owners wish they had known before using their technology.

Not Understanding the Features of a Hearing Aid

Many people make the mistake of getting a hearing aid and assuming that the only thing it does is make hearing easier. Most hearing aids are devices in their own right these days. You can use hearing aids to accept calls, listen to music and much more.

There may be specific settings on your hearing aid to make hearing clearer in different situations. For example, when talking on the phone or when you’re in a busy environment. Learning about your hearing aid and all its features is the best way to get the best from your hearing.

Instantly Improved Hearing

Unfortunately, most patients tend to think that a hearing aid will instantly improve their hearing. The truth is, your hearing may never return to perfect condition. You should know that it can take time to get used to wearing your hearing aid and getting all the benefits from it.

On average, it can take a few weeks to get into a good routine with your hearing aid. This is a great time to explore the features of your hearing aid and find out what works for you. Some people purchase hearing aids and never use them because they aren’t willing to work through the initial adjustment period.

Not Being Honest

It’s essential that you’re honest with your audiologist during your hearing test and fitting. They will rely on your feedback to adjust the settings and programs of your device. If you’re using your hearing aid and you know it isn’t doing what you need it to, it’s important you communicate these issues with your audiologist so they can make adjustments.

Hearing aids come in a range of different sizes and levels, all prescribed according to the patient’s needs. When you return for another test, be completely honest about your level of hearing loss so you can get the right help.

No Hearing Aid Fitting

It’s essential that your hearing aid fits you properly. Some people with minor hearing loss purchase OTC hearing aids without seeing an audiologist or having a fitting session. This can lead to hearing aids feeling uncomfortable and being used less – all of which can cause further hearing degradation.

In addition to the right prescription from an audiologist, you should also schedule a hearing aid fitting. You may even need more than one session to make sure your hearing aid does the job properly. Your audiologist will consider fit, how easily the hearing aid can be removed and replaced, and how well it works for your hearing.

Not Tracking Results

If you’re expecting your hearing aid to work perfectly in every situation, you won’t be concerned about tracking the results. However, tracking results can significantly help the future of your hearing and which hearing aids you use. You may be able to hear perfectly well when you’re talking with one friend in a quiet room but find it difficult to hear a group of friends in a busy restaurant.

Keeping track of when the hearing aid works well and when it doesn’t is useful for reporting back to your audiologist at future appointments. It will help your audiologist to adjust your prescription accordingly.

Do You Need a Hearing Aid?

It can sometimes be confusing when hearing loss takes place. Some people find that they can hear perfectly in some situations but have difficulty in others. Some of the signs of hearing loss include:

• Difficulty hearing sounds like ‘s’ and ‘th.’
• Asking people to talk louder.
• A history of listening to loud music or working in a loud environment.
• Conditions such as dementia or heart disease.

The best way to find out if you need a hearing aid is to schedule an appointment with an audiologist for a hearing test. Those with minor to moderate hearing issues will often only need to have a hearing test every three years.

If you think this applies to you, why not make an appointment today? You can contact EarTech Audiology at (866) 464-1008 to arrange a hearing test and find out what the problem is. Our friendly staff is ready to answer any of your questions.