‹ Audiology Knowledge Center

Information About Hearing Aids

Technological advancements have made hearing aids more comfortable and more effective than ever, but living with one will take some getting used to.

Setting realistic expectations is important in achieving success. No hearing aid can restore your hearing to normal. You and your audiologist should agree upon reasonable objectives early on to optimize hearing and communication.

Use common sense with your hearing aid. Treat it as you would treat any expensive electronic device. Proper care and regular preventative maintenance checks at our office will extend the life of your new hearing aid.

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Useful Tips On Proper Care And Use Of Your Hearing Aids

The Hearing Aid

Moisture is among the most damaging elements to a hearing aid. Although many new hearing aids are now moisture resistant it is good practice to avoid moisture and steamy environments. MAKE SURE TO REMOVE HEARING AIDS BEFORE SHOWERING.

It is important to use some type of a drying unit for your hearing aid, especially in our humid climate. We will discuss these dri-aid kits with you at scheduled checkups.

Do not expose the hearing aid to excessive heat. Never leave it in direct sunlight, in a closed automobile in hot weather or on or near a radiator.

If you use hair spray, DO NOT spray your hair while wearing the hearing aid.

Avoid dropping hearing aids or sticking sharp objects in them. Only use those instruments we have provided and instructed you to use.

Turn hearing aids off when not in use. To safeguard against wasting batteries, it is advisable to open the battery door when the aid is out of your ear for extended period.

Be sure to remove your hearing aids before lying down for a nap or to sleep for the night. This will ensure they will not fall out of your ears while you sleep and get lost.

Do not try to open the case of the hearing aid. This will void out warranty and damage the aid.

Custom ITE, ITC and CIC Instruments

Check your hearing aid daily to be sure it is not plugged with wax. Clean the hearing aid with the tools provided by your audiologist only as instructed. Be sure not to push the wax into the receiver, but rather pull any debris out.

DO NOT PICK AT THE RECEIVER TUBING. This tubing directs the sound into your ear and, if damaged, may distort the quality of sound. To clean and sanitize the aid, use only the recommended antibacterial wipes. NEVER USE ALCOHOL. Alcohol will dry and crack the plastic shell of the hearing aid.

Some tenderness is normal while you get use to wearing your new hearing aids. However, if you experience any pain or soreness from the hearing aid, please call our office immediately to schedule an appointment. Inform the staff that you are experiencing soreness. Occasionally, we need to modify the shell of the hearing aid in the area where it is bothering you. The shell of the hearing aid may annoy you at first. You will need to develop a tolerance to wearing it. There is a difference between being annoyed and actual soreness.

In hot or humid weather, we suggest you remove the aid from your ear several times a day to dry your ear and the hearing aid. If your ear drains, or you notice any odor on the hearing aid, it may be necessary to see your physician. Please call our office immediately for an appointment.

Preventative maintenance is critical with custom hearing aids. We suggest you return to our office every month, so the hearing aid can be examined and cleaned. Remember, this is only a recommendation; some patients choose to return only once every 6 or 12 months. We have found that hearing aids last longer if properly maintained.

Batteries

Use fresh batteries of the correct size in your hearing aid.

Be sure the battery is placed correctly in the hearing aid, as we have instructed you.

Do not force your battery door. Be careful when opening the battery compartment and changing the batteries. These compartments are fragile and break easily. If the door is not closing make sure you are using the correct size battery and that it is not placed upside down.

On your preventive maintenance check every month, we will clean any corrosion that accumulates on the battery contacts.

Always carry extra batteries with you. Carry batteries in a case, not loose in your pocket or purse.

Extend battery life by opening the battery door when not in use. This is more effective than turning the hearing aid off with a button.

Keep at least two batteries on hand, as occasionally new batteries will be defective.

Sometimes as the battery weakens, you may hear a low battery indicator before the battery is completely dead. These are warning signals that the battery is weak. It is best to replace the battery for optimum performance.

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Realistic Expectations for Hearing Aid Use

Hearing Aids...

Should allow you to hear many sounds or voices that you may not be able to hear, or may not hear clearly without amplification. Examples include children’s voices, soft voices or quiet outdoor sounds.

Should allow you to understand speech more clearly, and with less effort, in a variety of listening situations.

Should prevent normally loud sounds from becoming uncomfortable. Loud sounds that are uncomfortable for individuals with normal hearing may also be uncomfortable when using hearing aids.

May allow you to understand speech more clearly in noisy situations. How well you hear in background noise is directly related to the type and degree of your hearing loss. Your audiologist may recommend additional testing to evaluate your ability to comprehend speech in the presence of background noise.

Will not restore your hearing capabilities to normal, but will help you to hear well while wearing them in a variety of situations.

Will not completely “filter out” all background noise – despite the numerous advertising claims to this effect. Some hearing instruments can reduce the amplification of background noise which can often produce a more comfortable listening experience and superior sound quality. How well your hearing aid performs this task is related to the sophistication of your hearing aid circuit.

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Considerations for New Hearing Aid Users

Every hearing loss is different and every new user faces different challenges. Audiology by Accent will work with you to make your adjustment period as smooth as possible.

Patience

Hearing aids require time to get used to, sometimes up to four months to attain your maximum performance potential. Give your hearing aids a chance and provide your audiologist with specific descriptions of your likes and dislikes.

Restoring Hearing

Hearing aids are designed to assist you with communication. They are exactly what the name implies- an aid for the hearing impaired. They are not intended to correct or restore any hearing loss.

Sounds

Hearing aids should allow you to…

•  hear soft sounds you could not hear without amplification

•  prevent loud sounds from being uncomfortably loud

•  understand speech more clearly with less effort

Hearing in Noise

No hearing aid can filter out all background noise, but some can reduce amplification of certain types. Hearing instruments with directional microphones are the most effective for improving speech intelligibility in noisy situations.

Whistling and Feedback

It is normal for hearing aids to whistle or squeal when inserting them into or removing from your ear. If whistling occurs regularly while using your hearing aid, please call us to have it checked.

Your Friend’s Hearing Aid

Do not expect your friend’s hearing aid brand or style to work for you. All hearing losses are not created equal. Work with your audiologist to determine the best option for you.

Your Family Doctor

Do not expect your family doctor to be knowledgeable about hearing loss, brands of hearing aids or whether you need them. Only about 13% of family doctors even screen for hearing loss. Audiology by Accent works closely with the Otolarygnologists at Accent Physicians specialists to ensure a comprehensive approach to your hearing health care.

Trial Period

Expect a refund of the cost of your hearing aids (minus the consultation charge and restocking fee) if you do not receive benefit within the 30-day trial period.

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