Hearing aids are highly beneficial devices that can dramatically enhance a person’s ability to hear. However, hearing aids are also very delicate and can be expensive. Because of this, it is a good idea to know how to maintain your hearing aids well, so that you can reduce the chances of needing a repair. Here are some great tips for maintaining your hearing aids to prevent needing repairs.

1. Do not expose your hearing aids to moisture
There are a small number of hearing aids that are genuinely waterproof. However, the vast majority of hearing aids are not waterproof. For waterproof hearing aids, it is okay to get them wet. But for most hearing aids, exposure to water or other fluids can be a disaster. That is because if fluids get into the hearing aid, they can damage the electronics within the device. So, you should always be careful not to expose your hearing aids to water unless they are waterproof.

2. Clean earwax out regularly
If you wear your hearing aids for long enough, then wax can accumulate within them. Too much wax in your hearing aids can cause them not to work effectively. To keep your hearing aids performing well, you should clean the wax out of them regularly. You can do this with a wax pic.

3. Store them in a secure location
You should not store your hearing aids on the ground or anywhere else where they can be easily damaged. If you step on your hearing aid or drop it, then that can definitely be enough to damage it. Hearing aid repairs can be very expensive. So, you should store your hearing aids safely in a box or case and then keep them in a drawer or somewhere else that is safe.

4. Do not use hairspray or similar products while wearing your hearing aids
While you are wearing your hearing aids, it is best to avoid dousing your head with perfume, hairspray or other products. This is because these products can get inside of your hearing aids and cause damage to them. Instead, wait until you are not wearing your hearing aids to use them.

Talk to your audiologist more about hearing aid care and maintenance. Your audiologist will be able to help you establish the right cleaning routine, in addition to evaluating and examining your hearing aids in the event repairs are needed.

Are you curious about the state of your hearing?

Of course a hearing test is the gold standard by which your ability to hear a range of rounds is measured. But what exactly is the audiologist measuring, and what actually happens during the hearing exam? Let’s sound it out exactly so that you better understand the results.

Physical exam
No, this isn’t about doing bench presses or squat thrusts. Your hearing test starts in a logical manner when the audiologist looks into your ear canal with an otoscope.

This is to check for obvious blockages that could interfere with your ability to hear. Think of this like removing your ear plugs before listening to a conversation. If you have a buildup of natural ear wax in the canal, this can form a plug with muffles sound the same way an ear defender does.

Pure-tone audiometry
When it comes to pure-tone testing, the audiologist plays you a variety of noises, some high and low pitches, and of varying loudness, and you have to indicate when you’ve heard the noise. This allows the audiologist to draw up a map of your hearing.

That map highlights how loud noises of a certain pitch need to be for you to hear them. The shape of this graph tells the audiologist how good your hearing is, and exactly what types of sounds (their frequencies) you have most difficulty with.

Additionally, your audiologist may perform a bone conduction test. This test is pain-free and simply involves placing a vibrating tuning fork against your skull. Bone conduction tests help to identify any physical barriers that stop sound waves traveling from the outer and middle ear, into the sensitive inner ear.

Speech recognition tests
As well as technological information, the audiologist will perform a spoken word test. The audiologist repeats a variety of one and two syllable words to see how many you can clearly hear. Speech recognition tests help to identify any problem areas in conversation.

Actually, this raises a valid point because a hearing ‘test’ isn’t meant to imply an exam with right and wrong answers. So be honest about what you hear, so that the audiologist gets an accurate picture of your hearing landscape.

Other tests to expect
To round things off, expect the audiologist to check out the loudest sound that you can hear without discomfort. And also, a piece of equipment measures how much your eardrum moves to get a read on the health of your auditory system.

Your audiologist will go over your test results and offer any recommended treatments if needed. You’ll also have the chance to ask any remaining questions or discuss any additional concerns.

Buying hearing aids is a little more involved than going to the store and picking out a model you like from the options offered. It is a process that takes several appointments. At your first appointment, you have a hearing test and order hearing aids. The second appointment is for a hearing aid fitting, and finally, you’ll come back for a follow-up. The fitting appointment is almost as important as the hearing test and takes anywhere from one to two hours. Here’s what you can expect.

The real ear measure
Once you have your hearing aids, you will have a final test. This is the real ear measure test. The audiologist will use a small tube placed in your ear, an exterior microphone and specialized software and equipment to measure the exact sound that is being delivered to your ear by your hearing aid. This test is done while you are wearing the hearing aids.

This is an important test because hearing is highly subjective and personal. Two people with the exact same hearing loss may need to have their hearing aids programmed differently because of personal preferences.

During the test, the audiologist will check the programming of your hearing aid with a variety of tones and levels. Taking the time to make these personal adjustments can be the difference between successfully wearing hearing aids and tossing them in a drawer unused because they are uncomfortable.

The goal of the real ear measure is to make the sound you hear comfortable and clear. Relax, while the audiologist personalizes your hearing experience.

Adjusting to your hearing aids
Just like wearing contacts, you must learn how to properly insert and remove your hearing aids. The audiologist will have you do this several times until you are completely comfortable handling your hearing aids.

Next, the audiologist will give you a plan for wearing your hearing aids during an adjustment period. When you have hearing loss, the brain is deprived of aural input. Your hearing aids will flood your brain with new input. For many people, this is overwhelming and tiring. However, by increasing the amount of time you wear your hearing aids each day, your brain can adjust to the return of auditory input comfortably. Some types of hearing aids can make your own voice sound odd to you. While open fit hearing aids address this issue to some degree, there can still be a period of adjustment. You may be instructed to read aloud from a book or magazine to become accustomed the “new” sound of your own voice.

Hearing aid care
As important as knowing how to insert and remove your hearing aids, you must know how to care for them. Hearing aids require regular cleaning and care. As part of the fitting appointment, the audiologist will teach you how to change the batteries, clean your hearing aids and store them safely each night. If there is anything you don’t understand, don’t be afraid to ask questions.

The hearing aid fitting is your formal introduction to wearing hearing aids and a successful fitting leads to success wearing your hearing aids.

Getting a hearing test is a big deal. Some people find it so difficult to face up to hearing loss they never get as fair as scheduling a hearing exam. But you aren’t like that, right? You’ve acknowledged the issue and are halfway to fixing it. To get the most from the appointment, here are five questions that drill down to the heart of your hearing.

1: How bad is my hearing loss and is doing nothing an option?
Your hearing test produces a full picture of any hearing deficits in an audiogram. From these test results, the audiologist knows the severity of the problem, identifying the type and degree of hearing loss you have.

Ask the audiologist to explain what the audiogram means in real terms (for example how on-going hearing loss impacts on day-to-day life) and what to expect if you do nothing. This is an important part of getting the best course of action straight in your mind. It’s also important to understand how you can get help. For example, a hearing device is a financial investment in your hearing health. When you fully acknowledge the benefits, it’s easier to see the value a device represents.

2: Which device best meets my needs?
Ask for the audiologist’s recommendations.
There is a confusing array of hearing aid models from which to choose. The audiologist will ask you about your hobbies and lifestyle, plus use the hearing test results to recommend the best product for you.
You don’t have to accept the audiologist’s advice, but comparing a device to the best recommendation is a useful way to assess its benefits and drawbacks, to reach an informed decision.

3: How do I finance the device?
Be open and honest when discussing finances. The upfront cost may seem startling, but broken down in a monthly payment plan, the outlay is often less than a daily carry-out coffee. In addition, the audiologist may be able to help you investigate options such as Veteran’s benefits, Medicare and Medicaid, state programs, charitable organizations or offer a private financing arrangement.

4: How do I adapt to using a hearing device?
It takes time to get used to hearing noises that have been silent for so long. Many people find the intrusion of background noise difficult to deal with, and this deters them from wearing their device. Your audiologist will be happy to advise you on how best to acclimate to your newfound ability to hear, to become a confident and comfortable hearing aid user.

5: How do I care for my hearing aid?

With a little daily care there is no reason why your new device won’t work perfectly for several years. Of course the ideal time to get into good habits is from the word go, so asking your audiologist about hearing aid care gets you set for years of problem free hearing.

Do you think that there is something wrong with your hearing aid? You have done the once over yourself, checking your hearing aid to make sure that the battery is new and working. Nevertheless, your hearing aid is still not working. It’s completely normal to be worried and anxious. Before reacting, take a breath and figure out how to best respond to the issue at hand.

There are many easy at home fixes, including checking the battery and cleaning the aid, but sometimes you have to make an appointment with an audiologist who can provide expertise in malfunctioning hearing aids.

Before your appointment, it is important to write down any questions you may have ahead of time. Questions include:

*  Cost. First and foremost you may want to discuss cost with your audiologist. Some hearing aid repairs are very cheap and cost effective. However, at the same time, some repairs cost a small fortune and it may be cheaper in the long run to purchase a new hearing aid. So talk with your audiologist before any major decisions are made.
*  What they are doing. Ask you audiologist what they are doing as they are testing and diagnosing the issue with you hearing aid. Some of the tests that they perform may be done in the office with your present and watching; however, some of the tests may be done in their back room. So be sure to ask what tests they have done in order to determine if and what the problem with you hearing aids may be. Being informed is important.
*  Why are they doing these tests? Ask them why they are performing specific tests. Some tests are done for very specific reasons, so while your hearing aid may be tested one way the next patients hearing aids may be tested another way. Once again information is important and knowing what and why it is happening is key to understanding what is wrong with your hearing aid.

*  What are they looking for? Ask what they are looking for. Get your audiologist to explain what they are looking for during each test that they perform and get them to explain to you the results that they find with your hearing aid. Once again knowledge is power. The more you know the more you can prevent in the future.

*  Why? Asking why in general is an important question. You want to know why this happened to you and your hearing aid in hopes that you can prevent this from happening again in the future. Prevention is important so if you can prevent the same occurrence from happening again in the future it will not only extend the life of your hearing aid but will also be easier on your pocketbook.

Hearing loss can be life-changing no matter what part of your life you encounter it in. Not only is it difficult to cope with the idea that you are hearing impaired, but it is also a challenge to meet the treatment process that follows the diagnosis. For the average person, the cost of treatment can be a large investment.

A lot of people who have recently been fitted with their hearing aids complain of not being happy with their choice. If you, too, are not completely satisfied with your hearing aid fitting, here are some tips to help you.

1. Talk to your audiologist
Hearing aid selection and fitting is never a dictatorial process. In fact, it is a two-way discussion path where you get to tell your audiologist what your expectations, preferences and lifestyle needs are and your professional will make recommendations based on them. However, you need to remember that your audiologist is also influenced by your hearing test results. This means the programming and settings are limited by the degree and shape of your hearing loss. While a compassionate audiologist will try their best to accommodate all your needs and preferences, they have to make the decision based on the recommended medical guidelines that come with your specific hearing loss needs.

2. Give it time
Like any other treatment process, hearing aids need some time to show their best results. Most of the time people are uncomfortable with their new hearing aids simply because they suddenly begin to receive an overwhelming amount of auditory input that their brain has “forgotten” how to organize and process. They start hearing things like the rustling of their clothes and the rhythm of their own breath. If this is the case with you, you need to give your brain some time to “relearn” which sounds to ignore and which to process.

3. Know it won’t be like before
Often, people with newly fitted hearing aids also complain that everything is too loud, things sound mechanical or their own voice seems funny. While hearing aids help individuals to hear in a number of different listening environments, they do not “restore” hearing, so it won’t be like it was prior to having hearing loss.

4. Go for regular follow-ups
The most effective way to adjust to your new hearing aids is to go for regular follow-up visits with your audiologist to fine-tune the sounds you are hearing, adjust the fit in your ear and talk about situations that are most challenging for you. Sign up for any orientation classes for new hearing aid wearers and try to wear your hearing aids all day to re-program your brain faster.

Hearing loss is a scary thing at any age, but modern hearing aids can go a long way to restoring clarity. They may not overcome the damage completely, but they will enable you to live a more normal hearing life. With so many options on the market, however, it’s imperative that you know how and where to find the best solution for your specific needs.

There are a variety of factors to consider when choosing the right hearing aids. Use these three tips for guidance, and the life-changing reward of improved hearing awaits.

Find the right audiologist
Hearing aids can be sourced from various places. But only an audiologist can give you the fully personalized experience that you deserve. Experts in audiology don’t only understand the different device types. They also have the knowledge and resources needed to understand you!

No two people are the same, so it’s imperative that any device is programmed specifically for you. This means having a hearing test to understand the type and severity of loss. Audiologists will discuss your daily activities to ensure that any product you purchase can satisfy those needs.

Essentially, hearing aids are not something that should be bought off the shelf. Without the help of an expert, you can only expect to see a limited improvement.

Try them on
First and foremost, any device built to help your hearing should serve that function. While you may not need to spend money on special features due to your lifestyle habits, finding hearing aids that do the job is job one. Nevertheless, there are other demands that should be on the agenda.

The appearance and discreetness of hearing aids can be a major factor, especially if you’re young. Moreover, they need to feel comfortable due to the fact you’ll be wearing them for hours at a time on a daily basis. Discussing the different options is one thing, but actively trying them on is the only way to get a genuine feel. After all, they are going to become a major part of your life.

On a separate note, you need to know that the products will last. Quality and durability are crucial aspects. This is why it’s crucial to analyze the different manufacturers and hearing aid types.

Seek more information
Selecting the right hearing aids is a process that requires time and effort. Frankly, knowledge is power, and you should have no qualms about seeking as much info as possible. Before you can begin to embrace better hearing, you must first remember to listen.

Getting value for money is imperative when choosing hearing aids. An audiologist can advise you about the initial cost, the expected lifespan, and any maintenance that can be expected. Those elements should influence your final decision. Not least because need to think beyond the initial requirements. Only when considering all aspects will you make a solid decision.

Finally, if you have friends or relatives that wear hearing aids, it’s always worth speaking to them. Their insight, good and bad, could prove to be crucial.

If you’ve finally built up the courage to go see an audiologist regarding your hearing aids, you’re probably wondering if there will be an adjustment period to actually get used to them as well. Unfortunately, you will likely experience three to six weeks’ worth of time before you can get fully adjusted to hearing aids. The timeframe can be shorter, depending on how adaptable you are.  

Consider three tips to help you adjust to your new hearing aids.

Patience and practice are both important

As with many things in life, patience is one of the key components to adjusting to your hearing aids. It’s important to be as patient as you can when adapting to hearing aids because there will be frustrating moments and even embarrassing situations you need to deal with. When you start wearing your hearing aids for the first time, you’ll need to train your brain to recognize certain sounds and filter them out. Some sounds may seem different or new, especially if you’ve not had good hearing for a long period of time. It may feel uncomfortable, which is why it’s important to give yourself ample time to adjust to these new sensations that you’ll be feeling. It does require a bit of practice and you may even need to adjust the settings to your liking in order to feel more comfortable with them.

Dealing with the cosmetic side of hearing aids
We all know that hearing aids can look unsightly especially if you’ve picked a behind-the-ear model. It can feel strange having a device hooked to your ear and it might even feel uncomfortable knowing that you have a plastic curved machine near your ear. Thankfully, speaking with your audiologist and asking him or her for alternate options can solve many of these cosmetic issues. For instance, there are invisible hearing aids that are incredibly difficult to see, and there are mini behind-the-ear hearing aids that provide the same features and quality of sound as a larger device. Speak with your hearing professional if you want more options to help you deal with the cosmetic side of using hearing aids.

Have realistic expectations
Finally, make sure you set realistic expectations with your hearing aids. Yes, hearing aids can help you hear better. It won’t be perfect, but as long as you focus on improving your ability to filter sounds and train your brain to recognize certain things, you can easily shorten the learning curve by several weeks. For some people, it can take half a year or more to fully adjust to the use of hearing aids, so don’t expect to quickly adjust within a couple of days.

Once you begin to suspect that you have problems with your hearing, or you have already had them confirmed by another diagnosis, your audiologist can become your best ally. If you ever have any issues or questions about your hearing, ear health, or balance issues, they are the professional most likely to have the answer. Here are some of the most common questions they help with.

What kind of hearing loss do I have?
Contrary to what some might think, there’s more than one way to get hearing loss. Some of them are permanent, but some of them may be fully treatable. Hearing loss can be caused by all kinds of issues, such as aging, inflammation, infection, or even medications you have taken in the past. Hearing loss that happens over time tends to be permanent, while sudden hearing loss caused by something like an infection has a great chance of being cured completely. Your audiologist will most likely be able to find the root cause through an ear examination.

What happens during the examination?
Most people who visit an audiologist will have a full examination first, so it’s no surprise that this question is often asked. At the beginning of the exam, the audiologist asks the patient a series of questions about their medical history, lifestyle, and past medications. Following that, they will use specialized tools to take a closer look at the ear, which may help them identify issues such as an infection of an ear wax buildup. Finally, they will test your hearing, using a technique that shows how well you can hear different pitches and tones of sound, letting them better understand the level of hearing loss you’re suffering.

Can anything be done to improve my hearing?
The answer to this question depends on what the audiologist finds during the examination. If there’s an acute cause of your hearing loss, such as infection, then they may be able to treat and cure it. In most cases, where hearing loss is chronic, they may not be able to restore your hearing, but they can improve it. Hearing aids are a great option for anyone with hearing loss, and your audiologist can help you get more informed on the different options available, helping you pick those with the features most relevant to you and your lifestyle.

Is there any way to protect my hearing from further loss?
Beyond helping to diagnose and treat any hearing health issues, audiologists can be a source of very valuable information when it comes to taking care of your ears. They can share resources that you can read up on, teach you about different forms of hearing protection tools, and can highlight environments in your life where you might be exposed to too much noise. The advice the audiologist recommends can differ from patient to patient, based on the lifestyle you lead.

If you have questions, book an appointment with an audiologist. From inspecting and diagnosing to providing helpful advice on how to protect and enhance your hearing, they are your best bet for getting the answer you need.

If you have never attended a hearing test before, then you may be curious about what you should expect. If you want to ensure that you feel fully prepared and ready for whatever happens during your appointment, the list below may help to provide the insight that you need.

Your appointment will take around an hour
You should expect to spend around an hour with your audiologist. This will be sufficient time for you to give details on your life and medical history, undergo the tests themselves, and then discuss the results with the test administrator.

If hearing loss is detected, it’s unlikely that you will be fitted with a hearing aid during the test. You will likely be invited back to a second consultation with your audiologist to help choose the right hearing aid for your personal circumstances.

You will be asked a number of questions
While your hearing test will focus predominantly on your hearing, you will also need to provide a number of details about your background to the audiologist. This is standard of most medical tests. You will need to tell the audiologist about your general health history, as well as the details of any medications you are currently taking.

Your hearing test is relatively simple
The primary hearing test that is considered to be the gold standard is incredibly simple, so you shouldn’t have any problems with it. All you will be required to do is sit and listen to a series of beeps or similar sounds, which will be played to you through a pair of headphones. The sounds will be at different volumes and frequencies. When you hear a beep, you will press a button to indicate that you heard it, and your audiologist will record which sounds you did (and didn’t) record.

Don’t worry if you don’t hear every sound, or if there are long gaps between sounds – this is entirely normal. Just focus on pressing the button when you do hear a sound; there’s no need to analyze any deeper than that.

There are other hearing tests that your audiologist might administer, but these are also simple, so try not to be concerned. If you have any issues during the tests, just inform your audiologist and they will do all they can to assist you.

Your results will be available immediately
As with an eye test, the results of your hearing test will be immediately available. When the tests have concluded, your audiologist will sit with you and discuss the results. The results will conclude whether or not you have hearing loss, and may also allow your audiologist to make a recommendation on next steps – for example, whether or not you should consider a hearing aid.

You will be glad to know that hearing tests are simple and straightforward. Hopefully, you now have a better idea of what will happen at your appointment, allowing you to relax into the entire experience.

If you visited an audiologist a few months ago and they provided a hearing aid device to improve your hearing, there is a reasonable chance you will have to pay for repairs at some point. However, you only need to do that if your current instrument fails to function as expected. You can use the information below to conduct an assessment and make sure your hearing aid is still in perfect condition. If you notice any of the issue mentioned below, it’s wise to call your audiologist and ask about sending the item back to them for repairs. In some situations, you can also post the product back to the manufacturer.

Your hearing aid doesn’t produce any sound

If your hearing aid fails to produce any sound, that’s a decent indication that you have a fault. Let your audiologist know as soon as possible and arrange to visit their office. The professional will take a look at the device and attempt to work out if there is a quick fix. Presuming the audiologist can’t repair your equipment there, and then, you might have to wait a couple of days.

Your hearing aid sounds distorted
Lots of people report their hearing aids begin to produce distorted sounds after using them for a couple of months. If that happens to your device, it’s essential that you go to see your hearing specialist and let them know about the issue. Sometimes the audiologist will make a few adjustments to rectify the problem. However, there are other instances in which you might have to wait for a replacement part.

Your hearing aid volume is too low
The maximum volume on your hearing aid should be more than loud enough for you to hear conversations and interact with your friends and family. If your volume is too low; you might need to adjust the settings and increase it. In some situations, the volume issue could relate to a malfunctioning component, and so again, you might have to wait a few days.

Your hearing aid loses a part
Hearing aids can take a bashing sometimes, and there is little you can do to prevent that from happening. If you bang your hearing aid against something or it falls off and breaks; you’ll have to arrange repairs as soon as you can. You might even decide to purchase a new device because that might cost less. Discuss your options with the audiologist before you agree on the best course of action.

If your hearing aid suffers from any of the issues mentioned in this post, call your audiologist today and start the ball rolling on turning the situation around. In most instances, hearing aid repairs should only take a couple of days at most unless the professional has to wait for replacement parts to arrive. So, the sooner you contact your audiologist; the less time you will have to spend in a world where you can’t hear correctly. While the cost can vary, it won’t usually break the bank.

Hearing aids can change your life. If you’ve struggled to follow conversations, keep up in meetings or interact with friends or family members, wearing hearing aids can have an incredibly positive impact on your confidence and your wellbeing. When you have hearing aids, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. There are myriad types of hearing aid, and seeing an audiologist can help to ensure that you achieve the best outcome from your new hearing aids.

Why is a hearing aid fitting essential?

Hearing aids come in a range of different models and designs, and they can be tailor-made to suit the individual. Hearing aids have far-ranging capabilities, but to obtain optimum results, they have to be fitted and programmed correctly. A hearing aid fitting is essential to ensure that every patient gets the best out of their hearing aids. Without a fitting, there’s a risk that the hearing aids won’t fit properly, they may not be programmed to best serve the individual client, and the patient may not be aware of how to adjust the settings to improve their hearing. A hearing aid fitting is critical for both comfort and levels of functionality. If you attend an appointment with your audiologist, they will take the time to make sure that you’re comfortable, and also to ensure that you have confidence when it comes to adjusting your hearing aids at home or when you’re out and about.

A hearing aid fitting can help to improve comfort, but it can also provide the patient with vital information. If you’ve never used hearing aids before, it’s natural to have questions about how they work, how to use them and how to protect and maintain them. At your hearing aid fitting, you can ask as many questions as you like, and your audiologist will do their best to give you all the answers.

Getting used to your hearing aids

Transitioning from not having hearing aids to wearing brand new hearing aids can take time. At first, you may find that it feels very odd to wear hearing aids, and it may be difficult to adjust to the fact that you can hear again. When your audiologist places your hearing aids in your ears for the first time, they will carry out some simple tests to adjust the settings to suit you and to help you get used to your new hearing capabilities. Once your audiologist has modified your hearing aids, and you’ve asked all the questions you have, you’ll be advised to book a follow-up appointment so that your audiologist can see how you’re getting on with your hearing aids.

We are all unique, and when it comes to hearing aids, one person’s hearing aids may be completely different to another’s. It’s imperative to book a hearing aid fitting to ensure that your hearing aids are as comfortable as possible and to maximize the chances of getting the best out of your hearing aids. Your audiologist will use their experience and training to modify your hearing aids to suit you.

If you have hearing aids, then you better make sure you know how to care for them. Like most devices, they require constant maintenance to ensure they work properly. If you don’t care for them, then you’ll soon experience various problems and end up taking multiple trips to your audiologist to see if they can figure out what’s wrong.

The reality is that caring for hearing aids is fairly straightforward and doesn’t require much work on your behalf. Below, we’ve listed a few care tips that are recommended bty audiologists from all over the world:

Keep them dry at all times

A dry hearing aid is a happy and functional hearing aid. Under no circumstances should your hearing aid get wet or have any moisture on it. The obvious cause for concern is when you shower or go swimming. In either instance, take your hearing aid out and keep it tucked away in a dry container. Furthermore, make sure your ears are completely dry before you pop the hearing aid back in after you’ve been in water.

Along with this, you should try and avoid bringing your hearing aid to places with lots of condensation or steam present. This includes the bathroom and kitchen. If you ever do bring it in a room or place with a lot of condensation, then make sure you dry the hearing aid thoroughly with a cloth.

Open the battery door when possible

This is a hearing aid care tip that’s straight out of the office of an audiologist. They suggest you open the battery compartment when you’re not using the device. This is mainly because a lot of moisture and dirt can be trapped in there without you noticing. So, by opening it up, you give your batteries some room to breathe, and can also clean the compartment with a soft, dry, cloth as well.

If you take your hearing aid out during the day, then you should really open that battery door. However, if you forget to do this, then just make sure you leave it open when you take the device off to go to sleep.

Handle it with respect

It’s worth reminding you that hearing aids are small devices that can break easily. They’re not the most durable of things, particularly if they aren’t handled properly. Don’t throw the hearing aid around or treat it as though it’s a toy. These are expensive devices that need to be respected!

Ideally, handle your device with clean/dry hands at all times. Place it down delicately when you take it out, and pick it up carefully when you put it back in. Also, keep it away from children or pets, as they don’t know what it is and will most likely not handle it very carefully.

These three tips are all you need to keep your hearing aids in excellent condition. It’s so highly recommended that you treat these devices with as much care as possible. While your audiologist will undoubtedly welcome any future appointments, they don’t want to spend their days dealing with hearing aid faults that can easily be avoided with proper maintenance!

Hearing aids are incredibly useful devices and improve your ability to hear and thus your quality of life. You can have hearing aids at any point in your life, from the twilight years to early childhood. Unfortunately, these devices, offered by your audiologist are quite delicate and may eventually need repairs. Proper maintenance and care is crucial to keep your devices free of damage.

The devices switch off randomly
One of the clearest signs that your hearing aids need repairs is changing the batteries doesn’t help the problem. As such, they might turn off randomly at points through the day. They might even not switch on at all. Be aware, this could be a problem with the battery or the device itself. That’s why you should always check the battery first before you even think about getting a repair. Otherwise, you could end up wasting a lot of money for nothing.

Physical damage
You might also find that there is physical damage to the device. While it may look minor, certain physical damage can cause massive issues with these devices. For instance, there might be an issue with the tube that connects the outer piece to the inner piece. If this is damaged, then the sound will not travel at all. So, the tube will either need to be replaced or repaired.

The hook for the device may have snapped or been thoroughly worn. In both cases, you will need to think about getting it repaired. After all, the hook is what allows the device to attach to your ear. It’s an essential piece of the hearing aid device

Buzzing noise
While the device may switch on, if it needs repairing, it probably will have an issue with a noise that you don’t want to hear. The noise could be anything from a ringing to white noise or static. It all depends on the issue with the hearing device. Once again, this can be a sign of a low battery, but it can also be a symptom of a more technical issue with the device itself. As such, it could be a more complex issue, and you will need to speak to your audiologist about a potential repair. If you don’t get the device repaired, the buzzing or alternate noise caused will certainly become irritating.

Covered in earwax
Finally, you might find that your hearing aid is covered in earwax. There might be earwax in the tubing and around the little pieces. Earwax is a natural occurrence. The ear pushes the wax out to clean the canal and make sure that any harmful dirt or oils are removed from the ear. Earwax can be cleaned off with a soft, damp cloth. However, if this doesn’t resolve the issue, visit your audiologist to have your hearing aids repaired.

If you ask your audiologist, they will tell you that prevention is the best practice against hearing loss. While there are many treatments available for hearing loss, there is no solution that will restore functionality once it’s been damaged.
Thankfully, there several ways to protect your hearing and your audiologist is likely to recommend ear protection as one of the most reliable methods available.

The danger of hearing loss
There are natural risk factors that contribute to hearing loss, such as age, as well as temporary causes, like earwax buildup and infection. However, noise is one of the leading causes of permanent hearing loss, especially in younger individuals. Loud noises kill the nerve endings in the inner ear. The longer the exposure and the louder the noise, the more nerve endings at risk. The fewer nerve endings you have in your ear, the less your ears are able to translate the sound waves and transmit them to the brain. As hinted, there is no way to regenerate dead nerve endings inside the ear.

They dampen loud noises
The primary function that ear protection (such as earmuffs and both temporary and customized earplugs) provides is the dampening of loud noise. Earplugs fit inside the canal snugly, while earmuffs are worn over the ears. Both products are designed to reduce your exposure to damaging noise. There are also tactical listening devices that allow you to still hear certain sound, while preventing any damaging noise from penetrating your ears. These are particularly helpful if, for instance, you are attending rock concerts or you work in an environment with power tools, but still want to be able to communicate effectively with your coworkers.

They protect your ears from the environment
While the elements aren’t typically as dangerous as noise is when it comes to your auditory system, they still bring some risks with them. The cold air, snow and wind can irritate the interior of the ears and expose them to more dirt and debris, causing more earwax production, which can lead to a buildup. This buildup can lead to painful and annoying impactions. Similarly, moisture and water in the ear can lead to infections. While these infections can be treated easily, they can lead to complications like temporary or permanent hearing loss. Earplugs are an effective solution for not only keeping noise out, but also for protecting your ears from potentially harmful elements.

If you regularly take part in activities that produce a lot of noise or work in an environment that is excessively loud, you need ear protection. The same goes if you regularly exposed to elements that can irritate and harm your ears. Talk to your audiologist about the best form of protection to prevent hearing loss.

Have you noticed an issue with your hearing? If you speak to an audiologist, they will typically want to book you in for a hearing test. A hearing test is a way to check the level of your hearing and whether your hearing has deteriorated either due to exposure to loud noise, old age or a medical condition. Many people are often worried about the hearing test and how intrusive they may be. However, hearing tests are often far more simple and straightforward than most people realize.

Filling in forms
The first step of any hearing test is to fill in all the correct forms. Typically, you will be provided a full survey which will take you around twenty minutes. This will ask everything that an audiologist needs to know about you including past medical history, family medical history and any medication that you might be on. All could be relevant if you are having an issue with your hearing that you can not explain. It’s possible that the issue is relatively simple and could be caused by a side effect of virtually any medication.

Physical examination
Typically, you will complete the questionnaire in the waiting area before you see an audiologist. Once this has been filled in, you will be taken into an examination room. Here, they will complete a physical test where they can check for a common issue that can cause hearing trouble. For instance, it’s possible that you have a build up of hardened wax in your ear. If this is the case, warm water can rinse it out quickly. However, if there is no sign of a physical cause, further tests will be required.

Series of tests
In addition to a physical examination, your audiologist will perform a series of tests to measure your hearing ability. During these tests, your audiologist will ask you to raise your hand or push a button to indicate when you’ve heard a particular sound. They will chart your answers to determine if you struggle to hear certain pitches or frequencies. They may also conduct tests to monitor your middle ear function or speech recognition.

Results
After the hearing test is complete, the audiologist will make a recommendation. If you do have a significant level of hearing loss, hearing aids are typically the best and most common solution. However, there are many different types and models to choose from. An audiologist can help you make the right decision for your need and requirements. Depending on the level of your hearing loss, all models may not be available or suitable for you.

Hearing aids can have an unbelievable impact on your day-to-day life, but to get the most out of them, you need to ensure that you take good care of them. Hearing aids are durable, but they’re not immune to damage. If you’ve recently started wearing hearing aids and want to keep them in optimal condition for as long as possible, here are some tips to help you look after your hearing aids.

Storing your hearing aids safely
You don’t wear hearing aids 24-hours-a-day, so it’s essential to find a safe place to store them when they’re not in use. Hearing aids work better when they are dry, so avoid leaving them anywhere where they may be exposed to moisture, and keep them in the same places so you don’t lose them. If you’re out and about, carrying them in a secure box in your bag is a great idea, while keeping them in a box in a drawer at home will prevent your hearing aids from getting lost or broken. When you take your hearing aids out, place them straight into the box or container you’ve chosen. Don’t ever leave them lying around.

Keeping your hearing aids clean
When you have your hearing aids fitted by a hearing care professional, they will demonstrate how to keep the devices clean. Due to the location of the hearing aid, in a waxy, moist area, it’s common for wax and dirt to collect in some components of the hearing aid. Frequent cleaning helps to prevent a build-up of debris and increases the efficacy of the appliance. When you clean your hearing aids, use a soft cloth and wipe the earmolds with tepid, soapy water. Don’t attempt to dry out your hearing aids with a hairdryer, as the power could cause damage to the delicate parts.

Changing the batteries
Hearing aid batteries typically last for around two weeks. When you collect your new hearing aids, your hearing specialist will show you how to change the battery, but if you have any questions or you’re not sure what to do when you get home, don’t hesitate to give them a call and ask for advice. To change the battery, pull out the battery drawer, take the old battery out and replace it with the new battery. Make sure you dispose of the old canister according to safety guidelines.

Checking in with a hearing health professional
When you have hearing aids, it’s always a good idea to check in with a hearing health professional on a regular basis, just to make sure that everything is going well and your hearing aids are offering all the benefits they should be. It’s particularly important to contact your hearing care provider if you have any issues programming your hearing aids or you’re worried that you may have damaged the device.

If you have hearing aids, it’s hugely beneficial to look after them to lower the risk of damage and ensure they’re firing on all cylinders. If you have any questions or you need advice, a hearing care professional will be happy to help.

If you need to get an earmold, you might be worried about what this does. Your audiologist might have explained to you how this is going to help you, but if you are still a little confused, that is probably why you have found this article. Don’t worry, we are going to explain how an earmold can help. But, before you can understand how it can help you, you need to understand what it is.

What is an earmold?
You can’t fully understand how something can help you if you aren’t sure what it is to begin with. An earmold is a small piece of plastic or another soft material, that is shaped to fit your ear. There are many reasons that your hearing care provider could suggest that you need an earmold. It could be to protect your ear. It could be to help prevent further hearing loss. Or, if you need or have hearing aids, the earmold is used to connect the ear canal to the device, to ensure optimum hearing.

How does this help?
Without the earmold, your hearing aid might not work in the way that it is supposed to. When your audiologist inserts your earmold, it will connect the ear canal to the device. This helps you because it focuses on hearing from behind the ears, meaning that the sound quality you receive is going to be better. That’s why it is important that the fitting is done correctly. If it isn’t, you might experience some issues with the sound that your hearing aid is providing.

If you have an earmold to protect your ears, it will stop things getting into your ears. Certain athletes such as swimmers use earmolds to stop the water from damaging their hearing. This way, they can prevent any issues with their hearing developing, particularly if they are constantly diving deep into a pool. Deep sea divers will also typically use this as a form of ear protection.

You might have an earmold to prevent any further hearing loss. In this case, the earmold acts as a barrier and doesn’t let the sound leak out, or indeed, loud noises in at their full volume. This preserves your hearing for as long as possible. This will be beneficial to you because the longer that your hearing stays in good shape, the better. Earmolds are especially helpful if you go to places like concerts frequently.

Any further questions?
If you have any further questions on how earmolds help you, you can contact your audiologist, and they will be able to fill in any blanks that you may still have. Don’t worry about asking questions, you need to fully understand what is happening with your hearing and why the treatment method that has been put forward, is going to help you.

There are lots of things that can go wrong with your hearing aid, especially if you’ve been using it for a long time. It’s important to know what to do about these issues so you can troubleshoot them and get back to using your hearing aids as intended. No one wants to have problems with their hearing aids, especially as so many people rely on them each day of their lives.

We’re going to look at some of the most common problems associated with using hearing aids and we’ll then look at the various ways in which these problems can be put right and fixed. We’ll then look at what you should do if these fixes aren’t working. Sometimes, your hearing aids are telling you that a professional repair job is required.

Ways to troubleshoot your hearing aid
Hearing aids are incredibly advanced and delicate pieces of technology. Because of their small size, they can be prone to technical or physical issues. There are several different ways you can troubleshoot these issues at home, but it’s important to note that intricate or damage repairs should be handled by your audiologist.

 * Sound feedback: Feedback is when your hearing aid produces sounds that it simply isn’t meant to. Sound feedback can be very frustrating and difficult to contend with and it can come in the form of a whistling sound most often. Positioning is the first thing to check because feedback is most common when the tip of the hearing aid is not securely positioned where it should be. You might also need to change the volume control to fix the problem.
 * Failure to turn on: The first thing to try if your hearing aid won’t turn on is the battery. Change it and see if that fixes the problem; you’ll be surprised how often it’s a simple thing like that. If changing the battery does nothing, you should check the switch is set to on and clean it out to remove excess wax that might be causing problems for you. You should also check for any cracks or damage in the tubing and wires of the hearing aid.

 * Weak sound: Sometimes, the sound coming out of the hearing aid can be weak and that’s obviously not right at all. It might be the case that your brain is simply getting used to the sound so you get the impression that it’s weaker when it’s actually not. If that’s the case, simply increasing the volume should work for you. Replacing the battery can also often fix problems relating to weak sound output. Again, looking at the tubing is advisable too.

Signs it’s time to get it repaired
Even with the best care and maintenance routine, hearing aids can experience issues as they age or due to physical damage. If you struggle with any of the hearing aid problems below, schedule a visit to have them assessed by your audiologist.

 * It won’t work at all: If the hearing aid simply won’t work at all, it’s probably time to get it replaced. If you’ve tried everything and nothing is working and the device won’t even turn on no matter what you do, your only remaining option will be to send it for repair. But if the device is old, the repairs might not even be worth it and you might prefer to simply replace the hearing aid with a new one instead. That’s something that you’ll have to decide for yourself.
 * Low volume problems: If the volume is too low and it won’t increase even when you turn it up, this is again a problem that needs to be repaired by a professional. If you’re sure that the battery is not the source of the problem, it must be something else inside the hearing aid that’s causing the issue. Unless you know how to repair hearing aids to a professional standard, that’s something that you shouldn’t try to fix by yourself because it won’t work out well.
 * Variable sound quality: Variable sound quality can be frustrating and if you’ve tried the ideas above and nothing is changing it, you should let an expert look at it. They’ll be able to see where the problem lies and fix it. It’s probably a technical fault inside the device, so, again, you’ll need an expert to assess it.

For the majority of users, hearing aids are life-changing devices that they willingly embrace into their lives. Unfortunately, this experience is not always universal and some users of hearing aids experience different issues with device performance when in different sound environments.

If you experience any issues with your hearing aids, we at Hear For You Hearing and Balance Center understand the pressing need for a swift resolution to these problems. In an effort to help you achieve this, below, we have detailed the most common reasons for hearing aid dissatisfaction and the steps you can take to resolve the matter once and for all.

The hearing aid is more visible than expected
Modern hearing aids are designed to be as unobtrusive as possible, but some people are still surprised by how obvious their hearing aid looks in their ear. If this concerns you, it may be best to speak with your audiologist to explore other device options, as some types of hearing aids, such completely-in-canal (CIC) hearing aids, are less obvious to an onlooker.

However, these smaller hearing aids also have significant downsides – such as reduced battery life – and are only suitable for certain levels of hearing loss; your audiologist can guide you further when deciding whether a switch to such a device is the right choice for you.

Poor battery performance
If you find that you are using more batteries for your hearing aid than you are comfortable with, you might want to consider switching to a larger device. For example, behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids are much larger than other types of device and their batteries can last for up to 20 days.

If you’d prefer not to switch devices, then you could try:
Ensuring you switch your hearing aids off when they are not in use, in order to prevent battery drain.
Altering the settings so that your device requires less power; your audiologist will be able to advise you further on what may be suitable in this regard.
Adjustment
Whenever you wear a hearing aid for the first time, you will likely need to go through a period of adjustment. During this period, many people may be distracted by the feeling of the hearing aid in their ear. Follow the schedule provided by your audiologist to help you feel more comfortable when wearing your devices and to expedite the adjustment process.  

Excessive feedback
If you are struggling with feedback on your hearing aid, check the external components for any signs of dust, debris or earwax. If you identify any issues, wipe the device clean with a damp, lint-free cloth.

If the above does not rectify the issue or you cannot see any signs of such problems, then try adjusting the settings and programs. If the feedback problem continues across all settings, then it is best to take the device to be inspected by a professional, as it may be the case that a mechanical fault has developed and a repair is required.

The wearer’s own voice sounds too loud to them
When wearing a hearing aid for the first time, some people feel that their voice sounds far too loud. For the most part, this issue should reduce over time as you adjust to using hearing aids. However, if the problem continues for more than a week, you may wish to adjust the settings or discuss the matter further with a professional.

Can these issues be prevented?
While there is no possible way to be 100 percent sure you will love your hearing aid, the best method of prevention is a thorough consultation with your audiologist prior to purchasing a device. Hearing aids are very delicate devices and there is no one-size-fits-all device that is suitable for everyone, so it’s helpful to opt for an individualized approach that focuses on your specific needs with the assistance of your audiologist.

However, even with a long and detailed consultation process, there is always a chance that you may be dissatisfied with your hearing aids even after the initial adjustment period. If you find that this is the case, then your audiologist should be able to guide you further, using your experience with your first device in order to influence future decision making effectively.

Hearing loss is a well-known condition that millions of people experience – but no two hearing loss cases are alike. Each individual with hearing loss is unique and is living with a specific set of circumstances and needs that will influence the course of their treatment.

As one would expect, individual needs have to be met with customized solutions, particularly in terms of how hearing aids – the most common treatment for hearing loss – are programmed.

Why do hearing aids need to be programmed?
The core function of a hearing aid is to amplify sounds so that the wearer can hear them clearly every time. However, hearing aids are far more complex devices than simple amplifiers; they provide a range of digital features and functionality, all of which need to be fine-tuned and tailored to meet your personal requirements. Two different individuals may be experiencing the same level of hearing loss, but their devices may be customized and programmed entirely differently.

Audiologists understand the importance of customizing hearing aids to the individual user, and will thus seek to work with you to program your hearing aid precisely as you need.

How are hearing aids programmed by an audiologist?
Your audiologist can use a variety of advanced computer and algorithm-based techniques to program your hearing aids:

 *  Surround sound: Surround sound is used to mimic an outdoor environment within the comfort of your audiologist’s office; this tends to include traffic noises, crowd noises, and similar everyday sounds. By using a surround sound system while  *  programming a hearing aid, your audiologist can make adjustments to noise reduction settings based on real-time feedback.
 *  Real-ear probe microphones: These probes are designed to identify the sounds that are reaching your eardrum when your hearing aid is in place, which in turn allows for more effective programming.
 *  Visible speech mapping (VSM): VSM enables an audiologist to identify the amount of amplification that is reaching the ear, and make adjustments to improve this if necessary.
 *  In comparison to conventional techniques, the modern technology-based solutions for programming hearing aids are incredibly effective and help to ensure your hearing aids will perform exactly as expected.

What hearing aid factors can be adjusted with programming?
In addition to noise reduction, as mentioned above, programming also ensures your audiologists can make the necessary adjustments to the volume of your hearing aids, the intensity levels, maximum power output, and many more besides. All of the settings are tweaked and refined to ensure that the sounds you hear through your hearing aid are comfortable for you to use. Every individual has specific preferences about the sound they hear through their hearing aids, so your audiologist needs to refine the features available to suit your particular requirements.

Can hearing aids be reprogrammed?
Yes, and there are two reasons you may wish to request this. First and foremost, though your audiologist will do all they can – and use the best possible tools available – to program your hearing aids to suit you exactly at your appointment, further refinement may be beneficial. You may find that while your hearing aids work entirely at your audiologist’s office, after a few weeks of use in the real world, you notice that there are small changes or improvements that you feel may be necessary. If this happens, you can return to your audiologist, who will be able to fine-tune the programming to account for your observations.

In addition, hearing loss is not a static condition, and some people find that their hearing needs will change over a period of time. When this happens, the existing programming may no longer be suitable. In such a scenario, your audiologist can reprogram your hearing aids to suit your new requirements.

Can you program hearing aids yourself?

If you are relatively comfortable with technology, you may have wondered if it is possible to program your hearing aid yourself rather than visiting an audiologist. However, self-programming should be avoided at all costs. Programming a hearing aid requires dedicated hardware, suitable software, and the knowledge and expertise that only years of training can provide. The process is inherently complex and requires a huge amount of fine-tuning to get right; as a result, it is simply not possible to program hearing aids for yourself. Instead, it is essential to always entrust the entire programming process to your audiologist; DIY programming attempts are, at best, ineffective, and in the worst-case scenarios can your device to malfunction.

Hearing loss is a common experience for adults and children in the modern day and age. With all the new and different forms of technology, that no generation has experienced before, more and more people are coming in with complaints about ringing in the ears or pain in the head. 

Music players, smart phones, laptops and gaming systems, as well as working around constant, loud noise is one of the main causes of hearing loss in the United States. Living a loud and hectic lifestyle can influence your ears from the early years, and children as young as three report hearing impairment. 

All in all, it’s crucial to be able to identify hearing impairment issues, no matter your age. It’s been reported that children experiencing hearing issues can miss about 50% of classroom content at the least, potentially making their school years significantly harder to get through. 

It’s why it’s important to get the facts and figures straight. According to audiologists, a lot of myths and legends exist surrounding ear health and how hearing loss can occur. So, let’s go through a few hearing loss and hearing aid facts. If you’re worried or curious about your own hearing health, you might want to do a bit more research once you’re done here. 

At least 48 million Americans experience hearing loss
To a significant degree as well in most cases. And considering there’s an average waiting time of seven years before treatment is administered, it’s an ongoing issue for the current population. Hearing impairment can occur at any time in a person’s life – it’s important to go through a few more details surrounding that. 

So, hearing loss can be experienced at any age? 
Yes. No matter how old or young you are, there’s a potential for hearing loss in your life. Of course, depending on your age, you’re going to have a different experience with hearing impairment, often at a different level. 

Statistically, one in three people aged 65 and over are living with a hearing impairment. Commonly this is due to general degradation as we age, and tinnitus is most often reported by patients. A ringing in the ears is reported by about 50 million people in the USA, after all. 

At the same time, in America, about three million children are living a hearing-impaired experience. At least one million of these children are under the age of three. It’s one of the main reasons hearing tests are offered to children as young as just a few months; babies are commonly tested for hearing impairments, in order to keep an eye on their hearing and communication development as they grow into the crucial development period. 

Hearing aids are the most accessible form of treatment 

Hearing aids can be designed according to your specific hearing needs, and that makes them one of the most versatile and accessible forms of treatment available to hearing impaired patients. 

If you’re in need of a hearing aid, a wide range of styles and types exist on the market. But if you want specifics, there are three main types of hearing aids on the market at the moment: you can make use of behind the ear hearing aids, as well as in the canal hearing aids or even completely in the canal hearing aids. 

Behind the ear is the most used type of hearing aid and is the one we see the most in media. It’s best for people with mild or moderate hearing impairments and is most notably made up of a tube running down behind the ear. 

Each has their own level of visibility, from most to least visible in the order above. With the help of an audiologist, you’ll be able to find the style that fits your ear and suits your general lifestyle the most. You can work if you like on this together. 

Hearing loss has the possibility of affecting us all. It’s possible that about 15 million people experiencing a loss in their hearing don’t bother to seek help – they might not even be aware that they’re living with a hearing impairment. But if you are aware, you don’t need to live with the worry when there’s a specialized center right here for you. If you’re even just a little bit worried about a potential hearing impairment you may be living with, contact us. You can call Hear for You Hearing & Balance Center at 401-475-6116 or use the website to get in touch instantly. 

When talking to someone who is hard of hearing it’s important to make sure you follow some good practices to better improve the communication between you both. We want to try and make it as easy as possible for those with hearing loss to feel included in a conversation and most importantly their voices heard. 

While many people who are hard of hearing have the ability to lip-read it’s not always easy, it takes a lot of energy and can be frustrating. We should follow these simple practices to help improve communication between ourselves and our loved ones with hearing loss. 

Get their attention
The very first thing to do before initiating any type of conversation with someone who is hard of hearing is to ensure you have their full attention. If you start to talk without them being aware you are aiming the words at them then you will find yourself repeating yourself all over again. Try starting every conversation with their name or gently tapping them on the arm. 

Approach from the front or side
Try not to approach them from behind as to avoid startling them. Never tap them from behind and instead always make sure you are face to face or at their side before initiating a conversation. When you are in either position you can gently tap them on the arm to let them know you’re about to speak. 

Pick a quiet moment
People who have hearing loss will struggle to follow any conversation no matter what approach you take if there is a lot of noise or distraction in your proximity. Try to always communicate with them in a quiet spot where they will have the best chance of hearing what you have to say. This goes for cafes and restaurants too. 

Speak face to face
When communicating with a person with hearing loss its always best to speak face to face. This allows them to see your lips and get a better idea of what’s being said. Lipreading is difficult at the best of times, ensuring you are still and directly in front of them makes it that bit easier. It’s also just good manners. 

Speak clearly
Don’t mumble or speak too softly or too loudly. It’s best to speak at clear and loud enough volume so that they can hear you as best as possible. Don’t speak too softly or too fast either. It’s easy to fall back into your normal speaking voice so try to maintain a clear voice as much as possible.

Check they understand
If you continue to talk for hours on end without checking first that the person understands you then you may have just wasted a lot of time. When first initiating a conversation make sure they can understand you and if you feel at any point, they may be struggling to hear you check again. Simply ask them can you still hear me ok.

Keep it down
One thing that frustrates those with hearing loss is when people speak extremely loud at them. There is no need to shout plus if they are wearing a hearing aid it can be extremely uncomfortable for them. 

Never say it doesn’t matter
If the person who is hard of hearing says they didn’t understand something you said this is the last thing you should reply with. It’s disheartening for anyone with hearing loss to hear these three words. Be patient and always repeat yourself more clearly no matter how important your words were. 

Don’t turn away
It’s easy to turn away while speaking to a person hard of hearing but if you do this, they will struggle to follow the conversation and you may find yourself repeating yourself again. As hard as it may be, try to stay in one position and speak clearly towards the person so they can see you. Try not to cover your mouth with your hands or eat while talking. 

Speak to the person, not the support
If the person your speaking to has communication support such as a sign language interpreter, it’s respectful to always look at the person you are speaking to. Otherwise, you will your conversation will be with the language interpreter and the person with hearing loss might feel disheartened. 

Learn some sign language
If you have someone in your family or a friend who has hearing loss one of the best things you can do is to learn some sign language to help better communicate with each other. They will be extremely grateful if you did and your relationship will be that much stronger. 

What else can help?

Come learn more about Hear for You Hearing & Balance Center and how we can help you and your loved ones that have hearing loss. We offer a number of services including hearing tests and hearing aid advice. Speak to one of our audiologists at 401-475-6116 for help and guidance for any hearing needs.

A common question and concern about hearing aids are whether your hearing loss will worsen once you start to wear them. People wonder if hearing aids cause hearing loss, and you might hear people say that after a few weeks of wearing hearing aids, they seem to find hearing without their devices more difficult than they did before they had them. However, this is actually down to perception because actually, wearing hearing aids has been proven to keep your hearing abilities sharper and delay the natural progression of hearing loss over time. So why do people think that hearing aids can damage your hearing? 

It actually makes sense that after a couple of weeks of wearing hearing aids, you get used to how well you can hear with them. Then you take them out, and first of all, the difference the hearing aids have made makes it seem like your own natural hearing has got worse, but also, it's easy to forget how bad your hearing was before. It is simply a misconception and your brain is tricking you. 

There's also the point that hearing loss happens gradually over time, and on average, people wait seven to ten years before they seek help from a hearing healthcare professional. During this time their hearing will have gradually worsened and the brain will have become more accustomed to hearing loss. It then begins to perceive your level of hearing ability as normal – so you don't realize that it's not.

When you start to wear hearing aids, your brain has to readjust to the new levels of sound and recognize this as normal. At first, the volume and clarity of sounds can seem jarring, but once your brain has adjusted, and then you take your hearing aids out, your hearing loss becomes much more noticeable. 

Do you know what it's like when you have been in a dark room for a while, and your eyes adjust to the light, and you can see things, even if it's just shapes and colors? Then when you come out of the dark room or turn the light on, it seems too bright because your eyes need time to adjust. But once they do, everything becomes much clearer. However, when you turn the lights back off again, you can no longer see those shapes and colors anymore. Your vision hasn't suddenly become worse, but your brain and your eyes have just taken time to adjust, and this is the same process as your ears and your hearing aids. 

A good fitting can really help
Many people also worry that hearing aids are dangerous for your eardrums. This is not the case, but you do need to make sure that the devices are fitted and programmed correctly. While you may be tempted to order devices online or try to purchase a pair used, this is typically ineffective and can be damaging to your hearing. Improperly fitted hearing aids can irritate your ear canal and cause sores, dry skin or even excessive earwax. Poor settings can amplify sounds too much and can cause additional hearing loss, or, if set too low, can cause your hearing to worsen. To benefit from hearing aids, it’s essential you find the right professional to assess your needs, recommend the right styles, features and program them correctly. Finding the right pair of hearing aids is your ticket to not only better hearing, but to preventing further loss.

Also, once you have hearing aids, it doesn't mean that you can stop caring for your ears. You still need to be careful and protect your ears from loud noises, which can damage your eardrum. 

An experienced audiologist will fit your hearing aids for you and should program them so that they fit your personal level of hearing loss. Once you have been wearing your hearing aids for a few weeks and you're still not comfortable or find they're too loud or not loud enough, then you should go back to your audiologist to have them adjusted. If your hearing aids are set to be louder than they need to be in order to compensate for your specific hearing loss, then theses sound levels can cause noise damage. This often happens when people have bought their hearing aids online, so it really is important to go and see a hearing health professional. 

A hearing test isn’t like a college exam. You don’t have to revise or stay up until the early hours trying to cram in as much information as possible. That said, it is a good idea to be prepared. If you’ve got a hearing test coming up, here are some simple steps you can take to get ready.

Note down your medical history
Before you have a hearing test, your audiologist will ask you a series of questions about your hearing, as well as your general health and your medical history. To make life easier, it’s a great idea to note down any procedures you’ve had, any medicines you’re currently taking or have taken in the past, and any allergies you have. It’s important that your audiologist is aware of this information before they start your test and suggest potential treatment options.

Clean your ears out
Your ears have highly sophisticated self-cleaning mechanisms, but they are prone to attracting debris, and there is a risk of overproduction of earwax. Before you have a hearing test, it’s a good idea to clean your ears. To do this, avoid the temptation of using cotton buds, which can be very dangerous for your ears, and gently wipe your ears with a damp cloth instead. If you have got a lot of wax in your ears, this will become apparent when your audiologist examines your ears with an instrument called an otoscope. If excessive wax is an issue, your audiologist will suggest ways of addressing the problem.

Make a list of questions
For some people, hearing tests can be a rather daunting prospect, and for others, going into an appointment is a step into the unknown. In the heat of the moment, it’s very easy to forget all the questions that were whizzing around in your head beforehand, and this is why it’s useful to take a list of questions into the appointment with you.

Try and avoid loud noises
If you’ve got a hearing test booked, it’s wise to try and avoid noisy environments. Exposure to loud noises, for example, music at a gig, can damage your hearing. It’s best to try and stick to quiet environments for at least 12 hours before your hearing test. If you work in a noisy setting, for example, a construction site, you should use ear protection.

Reschedule if you’re under the weather
If you have a cold or the flu, or you’re struggling with sinusitis, this can impact your hearing, and it may affect the results of your hearing test. If you do come down with an illness within 48 hours of your hearing test, call your audiologist and rearrange for when you’re feeling better.

If you have a hearing test coming up, you don’t need to feel anxious, but there are a few things you can do to prepare. Note down information about your medical history, jot down some questions you want to ask, and clean your ears. It’s best to avoid having a hearing test if you’re ill and to steer clear of noisy environments for at least 12 hours before your hearing test.

Thanks to significant advances in microelectronics, hearing aids are far more advanced today than in the past. Hearing aids, also called assistive hearing devices, continue to benefit from the tremendous progress in miniaturization, battery technology, and software. Today’s budget hearing aids are typically far more capable than the very best from just a decade ago.

Which hearing aids are right for you depends on many factors, including your hearing issues, your income, your desired level of comfort, and the type of environments you encounter most frequently.

What types of hearing aids are on the market?
Hearing aids can be divided into five distinct categories:

Completely in canal (CIC): Progress in technology means that it’s now possible to fit hearing aids entirely inside the ear canal, free from any external component. Although not as feature-rich as larger devices, CIC hearing aids are great for people who fear damage to their devices. They are, therefore, most suited to people who love sports and outdoor activities. CIC hearing aids usually cannot be removed by hand and require a special tool.
In the canal (ITC): ITC hearing aids are slightly larger cousins of CIC devices. A piece of the ITC protrudes out of the ear (although not around the ear) allowing it to be removed without the use of special tools.
In the ear (ITE): Not to be confused with ITC, ITE devices protrude to cover the ear bowl - the external part of the ear surrounded by the earlobe. Again, larger and often more feature-rich than smaller devices, ITE devices avoid bulky external components.
Receiver in the ear (RITE): RITE hearing aids fit around the ear, but are small and therefore difficult to see.

Behind the ear (BTE): BTE devices comprise two main components: a speaker that inserts into the ear, and a receiver, processor, and battery that fit around the back of the external ear. Children or people who want maximum functionality benefit most from BTE devices.

What features are ideal?
You’ll want to select a hearing aid depending on your needs. For instance, if you’re a busy professional who wants to be able to transition seamlessly through different environments, then you may want to choose a hearing aid with inbuilt settings that can be easily switched between, based on your listening situation. If you need a hearing aid to provide basic amplification at home, then you may want to opt for an entry-level device.

You may also want a hearing aid which connects to technology that you use. Many hearing aids come with Bluetooth technology, allowing sounds to be transmitted to the device digitally (rather than via sound waves to the microphone), providing crystal clear sound without the risk of feedback. Hearing aids can come with FM radio and connectivity to telephones too.

Speak to your audiologist about which features they would recommend if you get confused.

When seeking treatment for a hearing problem, you will first see an audiologist for a hearing test. This a multi-step process carried out by an audiologist in order to determine the extent of your hearing problem, enabling them to recommend the best treatment possible for your specific needs. If your hearing test suggests you could benefit from hearing aids, your audiologist will schedule nan evaluation to help you discover the technology most compatible for your lifestyle, hearing loss and budget needs. 

Here are the four major steps that you can expect when taking part in a hearing aid evaluation and what you can do to make your evaluation a success.

1: Testing your hearing
Before you can be prescribed the right hearing aid, you will first need to take a hearing test.

An audiologist will begin by asking you a few questions to get an idea of your lifestyle and the nature of your hearing problem. You can expect a few questions about your health history and may be asked to provide a background on when you first started noticing problems. They may also ask about your balance and whether you’ve been experiencing tinnitus.

Your ears will then be examined to check for any visible problems. After this the hearing test will begin. The nature of the test will vary depending on the hearing problem. For hearing loss, it will generally involve playing sounds at an ever-decreasing volume – you will be asked to press a button every time you hear a sound. You may be asked to wear headphones and possibly a headband with a vibrating pad.

The results of this test will determine the extent of your hearing problem. From here, an audiologist will be able to recommend the right hearing loss treatment option, which may include wearing a hearing aid.

2: Choosing a hearing aid
If a hearing aid is recommended, you will then have the option to look at different device styles in order to choose the best one for you.

The three main styles are in the ear (ITE), behind the ear (BTE) and in the canal (ITC). Certain styles may be better suited to specific hearing conditions, in which case your audiologist will recommend a style. When choosing a style, you may also want to consider the cost, the comfort and your lifestyle.

Feel free to ask your audiologist for advice if you are unsure of any features or have any concerns with specific styles. You may be able to touch and even test out the sound of certain hearing aids.

3: Fitting the hearing aid
Once you have chosen your hearing aid, extra steps may be necessary for fitting and adjusting it. Certain hearing aids may require a custom fitted earmold, in which case an impression will need to be taken. The hearing aid will also need to be programmed to meet your specific hearing needs.

The hearing aid may need to be sent off to a manufacturer – the manufacturing process may take several weeks depending on the hearing aid. You will be notified when your hearing aid is ready to pick up.

4: Learning how to use your hearing aid
Once your hearing aid is ready to pick up, an audiologist will be able to talk you through how to use it. This may include how to adjust your hearing aid, when to wear it, how to clean it, which batteries to use and where to store your hearing aid. Some of this information may be given to you while initially choosing your hearing aid, but an audiologist will be able to offer a recap.

If you have any questions about how to use your hearing aid, you should use this opportunity to do so. Don’t be afraid to ask your audiologist to repeat information if necessary – there’s more to hearing aids than many people realize. It’s important that you know how to look after your hearing aid, as it could extend its life and save you money.

Why choose us?
At Hear for You Hearing & Balance Center, you can expect friendly and professional support. Our team of audiologists have carried out countless hearing aid evaluations and are incredibly knowledgeable. We’ll guide you through the entire process and answer any questions that you may have.

Audiologists provide a range of essential services designed to keep your hearing in the best condition possible, whether you’ve got a pre-existing condition, or simply want to prevent problems with your hearing in the future.

There are all sorts of reasons why you should visit an audiologist for hearing aids. Here are some of them.

To resolve tinnitus
Tinnitus, or a persistent ringing, buzzing, scraping, or whirring sound with no apparent external cause, is a common condition that affects millions of people in the US. Although scientists are still working out what exactly causes it, it’s far more prevalent in those with hearing loss than those without.

Some experts think that tinnitus is the result of the brain’s attempt to compensate for the lack of real sounds entering through the auditory nerve. This compensation might explain why many people experience a reduction in tinnitus symptoms when using a hearing aid. Hearing aids boost the volume of sounds reaching the inner ear, re-establishing the connection between the auditory cortex and the outside world. High-quality audiologists can recommend specific kinds of hearing aids with special features to reduce tinnitus symptoms.

To prevent the buildup of excess earwax
Although patients can remove excess ear wax using home remedies, such as flushing the ear out with over-the-counter solutions, some blockages require the expert attention of a professional audiologist. You must go and see your audiologist if you suspect that you have a perforated eardrum or damage to the ear canal. Audiologists have special tools that can remove blockages without causing any additional damage to the ear. Audiologists can also recommend types of hearing aids that are less likely to result in the buildup of earwax.

To discover the nature of hearing loss
Each person’s hearing loss is unique. One person might struggle to hear high-frequency sounds while another may struggle to focus on a single voice in a loud room. Audiologists have tools that can accurately characterize the nature of your hearing loss, allowing them to select the correct hearing aid and settings. Modern hearing aids come with a variety of features, like directionality, noise cancellation, and channel amplification, that allow audiologists to customize the patient experience.

To find an underlying issue
Hearing loss isn’t always the results of old age or genetics; environmental factors can cause it too. High-quality audiologists do not just perform a series of tests, they also ask in-depth questions about your lifestyle, looking for possible causes of hearing loss that may exacerbate your symptoms. They will ask you about your work (to find out whether you’re regularly exposed to loud noises), you music habits (including whether you listen to your music at full volume), and whether you have experienced any recent head trauma.

For your job
Finally, you may need to visit an audiologist for a  job. Some workers rely on their hearing to perform a role. Audiologists can provide advice on which hearing aids to choose, based on your particular circumstances. They can also offer advice on how to correctly calibrate your device for various workplace environments.

If your hearing aid has stopped working, there’s no need to panic – or rush to an audiologist’s office (at least not yet). While hearing aid repairs are necessary from time to time, there are a number of things you can try first. Even if you don’t know everything about your hearing aid, there are several easy things you can do at home to determine the problem and fix it yourself at no expense.

1. Remove and re-insert the hearing aid.
Hearing aids need to be put in precisely. Many times, a poor fit can cause feedback or poor sound quality. One of the simplest things you can try is to take the hearing aid out of your ear (make sure everything’s hooked up and turned on while you’re at it) and replace it so it sits properly. If there are still air gaps or the hearing aid doesn’t feel like it’s fitting right, it might be time to have it re-fitted by an audiologist – something that can be done right in the office.

2. Check the batteries and compartment.
If your hearing aid fits right, check the battery. Hearing aid batteries have short lifespans, especially if they’re used several hours a day. You might just need to replace the batteries, but be sure to check them for corrosion and moisture. Make sure your battery compartment is dry and fits precisely so you’re getting a good connection.

3. Check your input settings.
Another thing you can easily troubleshoot if you’re hearing aid doesn’t seem to be working right is your settings. Check to make sure your settings are properly adjusted for the environment you’re in, the number of people you’re interacting with or the activity you’re doing. If these settings are already programmed and you prefer not to adjust them manually, visit your audiologist for help (this service is usually free).

4. Clean your hearing aid.
Wax, dirt and water are all harmful to your hearing aid and can cause it to work poorly or stop working altogether. Cleaning your hearing aids daily with the right tools from a cleaning kit and placing them in a hearing aid dryer at night will solve and prevent common problems.

Most hearing aids have a wax filter as an extra barrier between damaging earwax and electronic parts. If you’re hearing aid isn’t working well, replacing this filter could be the simple fix to improve sound quality. Experts recommend replacing this filter anywhere from two weeks to every few months, depending on how much earwax you tend to have.

You may not fully how your device works, but you can do these four things to troubleshoot before taking your hearing aid in for repairs. In the event your hearing aid needs repairs, contact your audiologist; many can perform small tasks onsite!

Once you’ve been diagnosed with hearing loss and the audiologist has recommended hearing aids, you’ll want to schedule a hearing aid fitting appointment. The hearing aid fitting appointment is just as important as selecting the right device. Let’s take a look at some of the reasons why it is important and necessary for not only you, but also your hearing aids, your ears and your audiologist.

Fitting your lifestyle
First and foremost, the reason why a hearing aid fitting appointment is important is to make sure that the device fits you, your ears and your lifestyle properly; to ensure that what was ordered is appropriate for your daily needs. Your audiologist needs and wants to ensure they ordered the correct hearing aid, as well as making sure the manufacturer made the right hearing aid for you and your ears.

Fitting your ears
Second, your hearing health professional wants to ensure the fit and comfort of the hearing aid is optimal for you. They want to ensure that you enjoy wearing your hearing aid(s) every day and do not stick them in a drawer because they hurt you every time you put them in. Additionally, they want to ensure there are no pressure points that can cause you pain or sores in your ears, while also making sure there is a tight enough fit to keep whistling and feedback at a minimum.

Fitting your needs
Third, your audiologist would like to check the programming and sound quality of the hearing aid with you. They like to confirm that your hearing aid has been programmed properly for your hearing loss, as well as your hearing needs. This process will enable the audiologist to fit your hearing aids specifically to the sound environments you’re a part of most frequently; making it easy for you to switch between settings seamlessly.  

Adjustments can easily be made to your hearing aid, whether to the sound or programs or to the fit of the hearing aid, in the office during your hearing aid fitting appointment. These adjustments will help to ensure optimal use for you, the hearing aid wearer, and will help your audiologist provide you the best product necessary for your hearing loss.

If you’re interested in finding out more about the hearing testing process, selecting the right device or a hearing aid fitting, contact an audiologist in your area today and schedule an appointment.