Questions about Your New Hearing Aids Answered
If you have recently received your near hearing aids, congratulations! Hearing aids are such an important investment in your health. If you are new to hearing aids, you may find yourself feeling a little nervous about using them. It is normal to feel unfamiliar or not fully comfortable with your device just yet. You may have several questions that you are thinking about and would like to know more about your new hearing aids. Here are a few common questions and answers that can help you transition into daily use of your new device!
How do hearing aids work?
Hearing aids are savvy electronic devices that have more capabilities today than ever before. They are designed to detect, amplify, and process sound which provides the auditory system with ample support; making it easier to hear. Hearing aids do this through their main components:
Microphone: collects sound from the environment
Processor: amplifies and adjusts the sound to your specific hearing needs
Speaker: sends the adjusted sound into the inner ear
Power source: all hearing aids are either operated by disposable or rechargeable batteries.
Are all hearing aid devices the same?
Though all hearing aids consist of the same basic components, there is a wide range of styles, types of devices, and features. The most common style of hearing aid is worn behind the ear. But there are also in-the-ear styles that are smaller and include the least visible options. Additionally, there are hearing aids that offer a rechargeable battery option and other features like Bluetooth technology, voice recognition capabilities, noise reduction etc.
The type of hearing aid that works best for a person depends on several factors including: specific type of hearing loss, degree of impairment, lifestyle, profession, budget, and personal preferences. Your hearing healthcare provider will consider all of these factors to inform the recommendations of specific devices that will meet your individual hearing needs.
Do I need to wear my hearing aids all the time?
Hearing aids should be worn throughout the day and only removed at night (prior to sleeping), while showering, or engaging in activities like swimming. Hearing aids maximize your hearing which is critical as you move through daily life. This is also critical for your safety so hearing aids should absolutely be worn while driving, commuting, working etc.
When first adjusting to hearing aids, this may be overwhelming so it is common to take breaks. You will be hearing sounds you have likely not heard in quite some time so your ears and brain need time to adjust. You may feel cognitive overload and fatigue so taking listening breaks can be a useful way to alleviate this. But after some time, you will adjust to your hearing aids and wearing them throughout the day will be comfortable.
Will my hearing be restored?
It is important to know that hearing aids provide effective treatment for hearing loss but do not cure hearing loss. Hearing loss is a permanent condition which means that hearing cannot be completely restored to what it once was. Hearing aids are designed to maximize hearing capacity by helping to detect and process sound. This allows people to hear more and with greater ease. You may still experience trouble hearing in specific settings like noisy environments or loud entertainment venues. This is common and can best be navigated by leaning into effective communication strategies.
How do I maintain my hearing aids?
Hearing aids contain critical software like computer chips and other microelectronics that need to be cared for. It is extremely important to protect the hardware so that the device lasts as long as possible and works optimally. Hearing aids can be impacted by daily wear and tear so you should clean your device regularly (daily). This includes thoroughly removing any earwax, hair, moisture, and other natural debris that can accumulate on your device. You can invest in accessories like a dehumidifier which helps remove moisture. Lastly, be sure to store your device in a cool, accessible area. Taking proper care of your device supports their longevity!
What do I do if they stop working?
You will know if something seems off with your device. There are simple troubleshooting steps you can try: cleaning the device, replacing batteries, making sure the battery compartment is fully shut etc. If these quick fixes do not work, take your device to be evaluated by your hearing healthcare provider. These assessments could be covered by the device’s warranty plan.
