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Whether you are a new hearing aid user, you have been wearing hearing aids for a while, or you have a family member with hearing aids, it can be helpful to learn how this technology works.
Daily use of hearing aids can change your life because it allows you to participate in conversations and activities happening around you. But there is an adjustment period to learn how to use the hearing aids for optimal results.
Often, our patients have a lot of questions about choosing the right hearing aids and the best practices for wearing hearing aids going forward. Here are some of the most common questions we hear and the answers you are searching for.
Are Hearing Aids a Cure for Hearing Loss?
No, hearing aids won’t correct the root cause of your hearing loss. Unfortunately, many types of hearing loss are permanent, which means that you will live with the hearing loss for the rest of your life.
But the good news is that hearing aids allow you to maximize the hearing that is left, allowing you to optimize your overall lifestyle.
How Can I Tell If I Need Hearing Aids?
You probably won’t notice any issues in the earliest stages of your hearing loss. Often, the symptoms are so subtle that patients can continue participating in their daily activities and functioning at work and home.
But there are a few indicators that you might need a hearing test to determine if you need to use hearing aids. For example, if you find that you are often asking friends and family to repeat themselves or it always seems like other people are mumbling, then it could be a sign that you are losing your hearing.
How Long Will It Take Me to Get Used to Wearing Hearing Aids?
Every patient is different, so the adjustment time can vary from one person to the next. Remember that hearing aids might allow you to start hearing sounds you haven’t heard in years. It takes time for the central auditory system to relearn and send accurate information to the brain.
Give yourself 60 days to adjust to the use of your new hearing aids. During this initial period, maintain contact with your hearing specialist so programming and settings adjustments can be made as needed. With the right adjustments, it’s possible to adjust more quickly to wearing hearing aids.
Will Hearing Aids Allow Me to Hear Normally?
Even though hearing aid technology has come a long way in recent years, your previous hearing can’t be restored with the use of hearing aids. These assistive devices can make it easier for you to understand speech, but there are other ways that your hearing will continue to be impacted by the hearing loss.
How Long Can I Use the Same Hearing Aids?
Most hearing aids will last between 5 – 7 years. But it’s always important to maintain regular checkups with a hearing specialist to ensure that your hearing aids are functioning properly. Sometimes, it’s necessary to adjust the programming to optimize your hearing.
Keep in mind that many reputable brands of hearing aids come with warranty coverage for 2 – 3 years. So, if you need loss replacement or repair services, check the warranty to see what is available.
What Is the Best Type of Hearing Aid?
There are many factors that should be considered when you are choosing a type of hearing aid to wear. For example, your doctor or audiologist will discuss details such as the shape of your ear, the level of hearing loss, the shape of the ear canal, and any other special features necessary to assist with individual concerns.
The good news is that our team at Collin County Ear, Nose, and Throat offers the leading brands in the hearing aid industry. In addition, we work with multiple manufacturers to provide our patients a variety of options and advanced technology.
What Kind of Batteries Are Necessary for Your Hearing Aids?
The type of battery depends on the type of hearing aid that you are using. Many hearing aids, especially older models, use disposable batteries that can be purchased and most major retail outlets or pharmacies.
If you have rechargeable hearing aids, the batteries can be charged by plugging the hearing aids into a USB or outlet. For example, you might choose to recharge your hearing aids at night, so you have a full charger in the morning. Talk to your hearing specialist about the ideal timing for hearing air charging to maximize the life of the technology.
How Often Do Hearing Aid Batteries Need to Be Replaced or Charged?
The frequency of battery replacement depends on the type of hearing aid you are using and how many hours each day the hearing aids are in use.
Hearing aids with smaller batteries tend to hold the charge for 3 – 7 days. On the other hand, hearing aids with larger batteries might last as long as 10 days.
Do I Need to Wear 1 or 2 Hearing Aids?
Every patient is unique, so your doctor can help you determine if it’s better to use hearing aids in 1 or 2 ears. If you have hearing loss in both ears, it’s usually best to wear 2 hearing aids throughout the day.
You can benefit from wearing two hearing aids when you can hear better in a noisy environment, and it is easier to localize sounds because the brain can leverage sound input from both ears (which helps determine the direction of the sound source).
Should I Sleep While Wearing My Hearing Aids?
The most common recommendation is to remove the hearing aids at night so you can give your ears a break. Additionally, taking out the hearing aids while sleeping gives you time to recharge the battery and reduce overall battery usage.
If you feel the need to wear hearing aids at night, talk to your audiologist about your options. You might consider having a backup pair of hearing aids since you will use the batteries faster (which will require more recharging time).
Are There Side Effects of Wearing Hearing Aids?
The most common side effect is the initial adjustment period, which can be uncomfortable and take time to get used to your new sounds.
Your hearing aids are made to be comfortable. But if they are the improper fit, you might have pain, bleeding, soreness, or skin irritation. If these symptoms occur, it’s best to talk to your hearing doctor as soon as possible.
Hearing Testing and Hearing Aids from Collin County Ear, Nose, and Throat
When you need hearing services in Collin County or Dallas, then reach out to us at Collin County Ear, Nose, and Throat. We have offices nearby in both Frisco and Plano, TX. Use our online form to request an appointment, or call: (972) 596-4005.
