If you are the proud owner of a new set of hearing aids, congratulations! You have taken a step toward not only better hearing but stronger relationships, better cognitive functioning, and other benefits for your health and wellness. Although you have made a strong step toward improving your life, you might feel overwhelmed by the process at times. Getting new hearing aids brings a lot of new information, decisions, and lingering anxieties about the process. The good news is that we are here for you to get the information you need, and you don’t need to hesitate to contact us with your questions and uncertainty. We can give you reliable information while also pointing you toward any resources you need. If you have questions about the process of adjusting to new hearing aids, here are a few important questions and answers to relieve your uncertainty. If you have more questions, we are only a phone call away!
How long will it take to adjust to my new hearing aids?
As you might already know, putting in hearing aids is not the same as putting on a pair of eyeglasses. Whereas vision can be sharpened in an instant, hearing aids require you to adjust to a new range of sounds. You will be made aware of subtle sounds and frequencies that have been there all along, and that experience can be jarring at first. The adjustment period is different for everyone. Some people can adjust within a day, but others can take several weeks to make the adjustment. We recommend that you take the process slowly. Just wear the aids a little bit each day. If you feel fatigued or irritated, take them out. With daily use, you will soon be comfortable and fully adjusted.
How should I care for and maintain my aids?
Hearing aids require remarkably little maintenance, and you can expect to use them for a long time without needing to worry about it. Some hearing aids need battery replacements, so you will need to regularly change them. Other hearing aids have rechargeable batteries, so you can simply put them on the charging dock each night when you go to sleep. You will probably want to wipe off your hearing aids with a clean, dry cloth to remove debris and earwax from time to time. If other repairs are necessary, you can give us a call to see what the problem is. In some cases, we can make the fix in our office, but other repairs will need to be performed by a licensed technician or the manufacturer.
Can I listen to music or use the phone with my hearing aids in place?
Some people struggle to use the phone when they have hearing aids. Finding the perfect place for the receiver can be tricky, and some people get a whistling sound or feedback when they try to do so. Many of the latest hearing aids come equipped with Bluetooth connectivity, and there are many benefits of this feature. In the first place, you can send the audio for phone calls and phone notifications directly to your devices, making it much easier to communicate. In addition, you can stream music and other audio to your hearing aids, using them almost like earbuds. One of the best benefits of Bluetooth connectivity is the ability to change the settings on your hearing aids with an app on your smartphone. Be sure to contact us with any questions about using Bluetooth with your hearing aids.
How long will my hearing aids last?
Although people keep their aids for shorter or longer depending on their needs, many people use a pair of hearing aids for 5 years or more. If you damage or lose your hearing aids, feel free to contact us. We will want to update your hearing diagnosis regularly to make sure your aids are continuing to meet your needs. If you find that your hearing aids are insufficient for any reason, don’t hesitate to give us a call. We can schedule a new hearing test and consultation to see if there is something to better serve your needs for treatment.