Hearing aids can be life-changing for those with hearing loss, enabling better engagement in conversations and activities that were previously challenging.
However, for new users, the journey to adapting to hearing aids can come with a few common pitfalls. To help ensure your experience with hearing aids is smooth and successful, here are five common mistakes that new hearing aid owners make and tips on how to avoid them.

1. Not Getting Properly Fitted

One of the most crucial steps in getting hearing aids is ensuring they fit correctly. Hearing aids come in various shapes, sizes, and styles to accommodate different ear structures. If your hearing aids are not properly fitted, they can be uncomfortable or even painful to wear.
Five Errors That New Hearing Aid Users Often Make | Aanvii Hearing

Different types of hearing aids include behind-the-ear (BTE) aids, which sit outside the ear and connect to an earmold inside the ear; in-the-canal (ITC) aids; and in-the-ear (ITE) aids that fit snugly within the ear. An experienced audiologist will help you choose the right device and ensure a perfect fit for your ear. This step is vital for comfort and effectiveness.

2. Not Being Patient with New Hearing Aids

Transitioning to wearing hearing aids requires patience. Initially, everything may sound different, and your brain needs time to adjust to the new auditory input. Expecting immediate perfection can lead to frustration.

During the first few days and weeks, you’ll experience the biggest adjustments as you learn to distinguish between various sounds and find the right volume levels. It’s important to keep track of your experiences and follow up with your audiologist to fine-tune your settings. Give yourself time, and gradually increase the duration you wear your hearing aids each day.

Also Read: The Do’s and Don’ts of Cleaning Hearing Aids

3. Neglecting Regular Maintenance

Hearing aids are sophisticated electronic devices that need regular maintenance and cleaning to function optimally. This includes wiping down the device with a soft cloth, changing the wax filter, and replacing the battery as needed. Neglecting maintenance can lead to decreased sound quality and potentially damage the device.

Five Errors That New Hearing Aid Users Often Make | Aanvii Hearing

Follow your audiologist’s instructions for regular cleaning and care. Schedule monthly check-ups with your audiologist for detailed maintenance, such as adjusting settings or checking the device’s condition. Proper upkeep ensures your hearing aids last longer and perform better.

Also Read: Are There Smartphone Apps For Remote Adjustment and Control of Hearing Aids?

4. Ignoring Volume Settings

Hearing aids come with adjustable volume settings to tailor the sound to your comfort level. If these settings are not properly adjusted, you might find sounds too loud or too quiet, which can be frustrating.

Five Errors That New Hearing Aid Users Often Make | Aanvii Hearing

Regularly check and adjust your volume settings. Consulting with an experienced audiologist is the best way to ensure your settings are optimized. They can help you find the perfect volume level and teach you how to make adjustments as needed.

5. Not Utilizing Available Features

Modern hearing aids come with a variety of features designed to enhance your listening experience, but many new users fail to take full advantage of these. Features such as Bluetooth connectivity, directional microphones, and noise reduction can significantly improve your hearing aid’s performance in different environments.

Ensure you explore and understand all the features your hearing aids offer. For example, Bluetooth connectivity allows you to stream phone calls, music, and TV audio directly to your hearing aids, providing a more immersive experience. Directional microphones can help you focus on conversations in noisy settings, while noise reduction features can minimize background noise. Take the time to read the manual, watch tutorials, or consult your audiologist to make the most out of your hearing aids.

 Book a Free Hearing Test & Trial at Aanvii Hearing 

By avoiding these common mistakes, new hearing aid owners can ensure a smoother and more successful transition. If you’re considering getting hearing aids or have recently purchased them, an experienced audiologist can provide valuable guidance and answer any questions you may have. For more information about new hearing aids or to schedule a hearing test, contact Aanvii Hearing at 96 5839 5839 or visit our website www.aanviihearing.com. Our team of professionals is here to support you on your journey to better hearing. Reach out to us today to learn more!