Hearing Loss
HEARING LOSS

Hearing Aid Satisfaction

2020-09-25 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.

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