Congratulations on your new hearing aid! It’s a great way to improve the quality of your life.
However, merely getting the best one on the market is a job half-done. There are many aspects that need to be taken care of, and that includes knowing what not to do with it. Otherwise, even the most expensive model will fail to yield satisfactory results.
It is for this reason that we take it upon ourselves to make you aware of the top 3 hearing aid mistakes that you should avoid. Now, let’s get started, shall we?
Top 3 Hearing Aid Mistakes
1. Wearing Mistakes
A. Wearing Your Hearing Aid In The Shower
One of the most common wearing mistakes that many hearing-aid owners make is to leave it on in the shower. We understand that it may be tempting to wear it everywhere, especially if the fitting is perfect. But like all electronic devices, water is its nemesis.
Moisture can cause irreparable damage to these complex electronic devices. Water can corrode the circuits, thereby hampering their functionality, more so when you don’t dry them properly afterwards. Therefore, it’s advisable to remove the hearing aid when showering, swimming, or even if you’re out in heavy rains. Likewise, water seepage during scuba diving can destroy the parts.
B. Improper Fitting
There’s no dearth of hearing aids on the market. Moreover, you can avail custom fitting services at almost any clinic. So, there’s no reason why you should wear one that doesn’t have the perfect fitting. While it may feel snug initially, stop wearing them if you experience any pain or discomfort and consult your clinician for proper adjustment.
As such, it mostly requires multiple fitting sessions to get the right adjustment. For example, the first sitting may involve taking your earmold impressions. Similarly, the rest of the sittings may be dedicated to calibrating the settings.
Besides, your level and type of hearing loss will determine the hearing aid style that’s best suited for you. Hence, be honest about every problem during the analysis. And make sure you’re absolutely at ease with the device by the time the sessions conclude.
2. Maintenance Mistakes
A. Not Cleaning It Regularly
Regularly cleaning your hearing aid will help in prolonging its service life. The thumb rule is to gently wipe it over with a clean and soft cloth. This is an effective way to get rid of the earwax and skin cell build-up inside. Plus, the natural oils secreted by the ears can affect the battery life.
Don’t use any solvents or cleaning fluid as these may damage the device. And always wash your hands before handling the hearing aid. Furthermore, the basic cleaning procedure may vary from one model to another. So, talk to your clinician and follow the manufacturer’s instructions minutely.
If you feel that cleaning it on your own isn’t sufficient, consult a professional or get in touch with the manufacturer. Avoid unnecessary probing and prodding at any cost.
B. Keep It Away From Extreme Temperatures
Like moisture, extreme temperatures are also detrimental to your hearing aid. So, try not to expose it to very cold or hot temperatures. For instance, if you plan to shovel the driveway on a snowy day, which doesn’t usually require hearing, keep it inside the house instead of stashing it in the coat pocket.
3. Not Working With Your Hearing Aid
First-time users tend to think that it’s the hearing aid that will do all the work. But that isn’t the case. Wearing a hearing aid doesn’t only impact the ears, but it’s also the brain that needs to interpret the sounds. Thus, it’s important to work on ear-to-brain connections. And that may employ certain strategies, the most common of which is reading out loud.
This activity plays a crucial role in connecting the word (which you read) to the sound (which you hear). It may feel silly at first, but the more you create the connection, the better will be your hearing.
Alternatively, you can opt for audiobooks and write down whatever you hear. Later, ask a friend or family to match your notes with the audio. Or, purchase a physical copy of the same audiobook and read it along with the playback. It will work in the same way as reading out loud.
Final Words
Sure, hearing aids make life easier, but they demand some attention too.
It’s a mix of maintenance and practice that’ll help them serve better. So, don’t make cleaning and practice a one-time affair. Aside from that, ensure that the device is actually beneficial for you. Many clinics offer a trial period so that you get used to the device operation, so ask for that. Then go for it only if you’re fully satisfied.
And on that note, it’s time for us to take your leave. Hopefully, we’ve helped you avoid the basic mistakes that can be a roadblock for your hearing.
Till the next time, goodbye!