How to make your hearing aids work even harder
You’ve already taken the steps to improve your hearing and, ultimately, your quality of life. Now you need to ensure that your hearing aids are always working as well as they should be. Or if your previous experience with hearing aids hasn’t been a happy one, read on to find out what it takes to be successful. As with so many pieces of technology, hearing aids require that we also do our part in helping them perform at their best. Success in maintaining your pin-drop hearing boils down to three key elements: product, provider and personal motivation.
Product – finding the right hearing instrument
With so many features, styles and price points, choosing the right hearing aid can feel overwhelming. You’ll make your life a whole lot easier by working with a hearing care provider who will help determine the best solution for your listening needs. Your hearing provider will show you the options and go over each product’s pros and cons, including reliability and ease of use. The parts you need to focus on are sound quality and comfort.
Daily cleaning, proper storage and regular battery charging are key for keeping your hearing aids in tip-top shape. If you’ve been wearing the same hearing aids for a while, make sure they’re still meeting your needs by scheduling a free hearing assessment.
Provider – a trusting, open relationship is a must
Even though we take many precise measurements to prescribe appropriate hearing aid settings, there is still an “art” component to a successful hearing solution. The person programming your hearing instruments needs to be highly discerning and sensitive to how you respond to different tones. Perception and preference are unique to every individual – and something that can’t be measured. Through follow-up visits and open communication, an effective practitioner will read between the lines, assess and address both the measurable and unmeasurable to ensure everything is beneficial and comfortable.
To ensure success, find a hearing care provider that you like and trust, that way you’ll feel free to share all your hearing struggles with them. You’ll be spending a fair deal of time together, so it’s important to find someone with whom you can communicate effectively and openly. Experience and knowledge of the latest hearing devices and technologies are important, but just as vital is your provider’s ability to listen and communicate. And they also need to know everything about your hearing situation in order that they can do everything possible to improve it.
As you re-learn the listening and communication skills that deteriorated due to your hearing loss, your practitioner will adjust the settings of your hearing instruments as you adapt to your new listening abilities.
Visit your hearing care provider at least twice a year (or, better yet, three or four times) to keep your hearing in top shape. If you’ve bought a hearing aid, you’re entitled to follow-up care, at no extra cost, for as long as you own that product. At Campbell River Hearing Clinic, all of our clients have the right to unlimited maintenance visits to ensure things are working as well as they can be. If you’re not completely happy with your hearing aids, come see us – there’s always something more we can do.
Personal motivation – be patient, be positive and be realistic
For better or for worse, it’s a noisy world out there, and getting used to it all again can take some time. (Who knew birds and fridges were so loud, right?) Going from hearing some things some of the time to all things all of the time can be a lot to process. Your brain needs time to adjust, so be patient.
We often suggest taking things slowly: wear your new hearing aids every day, but only as much as is comfortable while you’re getting used to them. You’ll eventually get used to the new sounds and new feel. Before you know it, you’ll be wearing them all the time and with ease, and you’ll forget you even have them on – our ultimate goal.
If you find things too loud to begin with, we can always start by setting your hearing aids back maybe 70 per cent of where they should be and then adjusting from there as appropriate. There are many approaches.
Just as importantly, never be satisfied with “good enough.” We will tell you when we have done all that we can. You should hear with better clarity and be comfortable with your hearing aids. Our goal is for you to be able to pop them in and then forget you’re even wearing them.
Once you have your hearing aids dialed in, it’s time to take those babies out on the open road and see what they can really do! Or, at least start playing with their various features. . . . Depending on the style of hearing aid, you might be able to switch settings for different environments or set up Bluetooth connections to your TV, phone or other devices. Maybe you want to connect your hearing aids to your mobile device - we’ll tell you if your device can do it (or find you one that can!).
Not our client? That’s OK, we still want to help you hear better! As an independent provider, we’re not tied to any specific product or manufacturer, and we can deal with almost anything or anyone. Most importantly, we want to deal with you. Call us at 250.914.3200 or drop by in person to chat about options.