Questions about Your New Hearing Aids Answered

Hearing aids, also called hearing devices or just devices, work by amplifying sound. They can help improve your hearing or even allow you to hear for the first time. If this is your first time wearing hearing aids, you may have several questions. Here are some basic answers to everything you wanted to know about hearing aids but were afraid to ask.

When will I start to hear better?

Many people are pretty surprised by how quickly they adjust to hearing aids. When fitted properly and worn consistently, most people get used to their hearing aids quickly.

The number of hours you wear your hearing aids each day is one of the most critical factors affecting your ability to adapt to them. That's why it is so vital that you wear your hearing aids at all times – particularly when in social settings. This will help you get used to them as quickly as possible.

Let your hearing professional know if you have trouble adjusting to your hearing aids. It may be a simple matter of adjusting the way the hearing aids fit, or it may be necessary to make adjustments in the fitting process.

Are hearing aids comfortable?

Yes! Your hearing aids should be very comfortable. During the first few days, you might notice your hearing aids a lot. After all, you're not used to having something in your ears. But you should not experience any pain or discomfort. Suppose your hearing aids are uncomfortable or have irritation or soreness. In that case, it's a sign that they're not fitting correctly. 

Do hearing aids give me perfect hearing?

Hearing aids will help you understand better in various situations, but they will not cure your hearing loss. Hearing is more than just hearing the words. Your brain needs to process the sounds you hear and make sense of them. The brain also needs to hear a difference in the volume of sounds. Hearing aids do not cure your hearing loss; they simply improve your hearing.

However, wearing hearing aids can help. They can make it easier to hear the difference between soft and loud sounds, so you can understand what people are saying during a conversation. 

What types of hearing aids are there?

When looking for a hearing aid, it's easy to feel overwhelmed by the different options available. There are four main categories: 

• In-the-ear (ITE): This is housed in a plastic shell that completely fits the outer ear. 
• Behind the ear (BTE): This type is housed in a plastic shell worn over the ear canal. Some BTEs have a small plastic mold that fits into the ear behind the pinna.
• In-the-canal (ITC): This is designed to fit inside the ear canal but with an open-fit design that allows sound to reach the eardrum and facilitate natural hearing.
• Completely-in-the-canal (CIC): This hearing aid is small enough to be almost completely hidden in the ear.

How long will hearing aids last?

Many people might not know that hearing aids are designed to last for years. In fact, many people buy the same pair of hearing aids year after year because their current pair still works- they simply need a new receiver because their hearing has changed over the years. Hearing aid technology has improved over the past 10 years, making them more comfortable, durable, and better able to handle a variety of different environments than ever.

Do hearing aids need a lot of maintenance?

Maintenance will ensure that your hearing aids continue to work and operate at their best potential. Here are some quick maintenance tips to keep them in good working condition:

• Remove debris from the earmolds and outer surfaces of the hearing aids. Your hearing provider can assist you with this, or you can purchase a cleaning brush from an audiologist or hearing aid retailer.
• Clean your earmolds regularly.
• Make sure not to get water into your earmolds, as that may cause damage. Excess moisture can also lead to mold growth.
• Keep your hands clean, as oil from the skin can build up around the vents in your hearing aids and lead to clogging.

Have more hearing aid questions? Contact us today to set up an appointment.