It’s normal for hearing aids to take some getting used to but Dr. Tiffany Pfleger & Dr. Leanne Fletcher are always just a call away, and happy to answer your questions.
Our audiologists will want you to make an appointment to come see them should any of the following occur:
your hearing aids aren't staying in your ears and/or causing discomfort
sounds are cutting out or are muffled
the hearing aids aren't charging properly and/or the charge does not last all day
Those situations aside, the following are a five common concerns from new hearing aid users and suggestions that often help get past the newness phase and back into the conversation!
#1 – Background noise is too loud
The more time you spend wearing your hearing aids at home, the better you will acclimate to background noise. With exposure, your brain will learn to hear noises differently and can then determine which ones are important and which ones it can ignore. You’ll want to experience as many sounds and environments as you can – like doing the laundry, or going for a walk in a busy area - before socializing with a group of people where it might be frustrating for you.
#2 – My own voice is too loud
New hearing aids will amplify your own voice as well as others, you will hear your voice differently. Occlusion is a common side effect of hearing aids that plug up your ear canal. Sound doesn’t travel through the air and into your ears anymore. One way to build tolerance for this is to go into a quiet room and read to yourself every day to get used to your own voice. It is something you can get used to, but some hearing aids have advanced features that eliminate this effect. There are many ways that your new hearing aids can be made to be more comfortable. Ask our audiologists about your options!
#3 – It is uncomfortable in my ear
This may be a matter of time, especially if you’re using a custom earmold. If you’re using a RIC type hearing aid, experiment with different types or ear tips and sizes. Make sure that you are making a habit of wearing them. The more often you wear them, the faster you’ll get used to them. If they are still uncomfortable, contact us before the end of your trial or warranty period. Our audiologists can help you find a solution!
#4 – I’m getting feedback
Nowadays, you shouldn’t anticipate feedback. This was more common in older hearing aids. The feedback management systems in today’s hearing aids have immeasurably improved, so if you’re experiencing feedback, you should first make sure that you’re cleaning your hearing aid per the manufacturer’s instructions and if that doesn’t work, call one of our offices for help! Our audiologists will want to check the fit, the volume, and make sure you don’t have a buildup of wax in your ears.
#5 – It’s not loud enough
During your fitting, our audiologists will program your hearing aid specific to your hearing loss. Most hearing aids have buttons on the outside that you can push to control the volume level as you find yourself in different situations. A lot of hearing aids now have additional Bluetooth controls that allow you to connect your hearing aids to your phone where you can adjust the volume.
It's normal for it to take some time to get used to wearing hearing aids. They are an investment that should last many years and greatly improve the quality of your life. At Advanced Audiology Associates, we are committed to helping you every step of your journey.