For many people, hearing aids are life-changing, opening up a world of clearer conversations and better background awareness. Despite their benefits, only 16% of people aged 20 to 69 who need hearing aids actually use them. One reason people hesitate to try hearing aids is that they worry they’ll find their devices uncomfortable.
While adjusting to these devices takes patience, there are a few simple ways to help increase their comfort while you get used to them.
Check the Fit and Placement
When you first get hearing aids, placing them correctly in your ears may take a couple of tries. If your devices aren’t positioned correctly, or they are too big or small, they can put pressure in and around the ears. If your devices are chafing or causing soreness, try readjusting them. If discomfort continues, make an appointment with your hearing aid specialist to check the fit or get tips on proper placement.
Clean Your Devices Every Day
If you often use in-ear headphones, you’ve probably noticed earwax accumulating on them over time, and the same thing can happen to your hearing aids. When earwax builds up, it can cause muffled sound, leading to a whistling sound called feedback. To help reduce sound distortion, clean your devices at the end of every day, removing wax and wiping down the outside casings with a dry cloth. Not only will nightly cleanings help prevent sound distortion, but they can also ward off possible ear infections from dirty devices.
Check the Programming
During your fitting and programming appointment, your hearing aid specialist will adjust your device programming to match your hearing needs. Sometimes, these settings may need to shift depending on your environment or hearing loss progression. If your hearing aids seem unnaturally loud, high-pitched or muffled, try adjusting the settings in the accompanying app. If the issues persist, schedule a reprogramming appointment.
Start With Shorter Wear Times
If you’re new to hearing aids, wearing them for long stretches right away can be overwhelming. Small sounds like your neighbors walking around or people chatting next to you at Café Brulé may feel too loud or intrusive. If you start feeling overwhelmed, it’s okay to take brief breaks from your hearing aids. Gradually easing into full-time use can help you adjust to all the new sounds without discomfort.
If you have questions about fitting, cleaning or adjusting to your hearing aids, contact Ear, Nose & Throat Consultants today to schedule an appointment with one of our hearing specialists.