Top 5 Everyday Tips for New Hearing Aid Users
The first few weeks with your hearing aids can be the most important. One of the things we love about our job is helping people like you get back to enjoying life with better hearing. Starting off your hearing aid journey right helps make the transition easier and allows you to incorporate your hearing devices into your daily life with little to no disruption.
Check out our top five tips for new hearing aid users — they’re easy and simple to integrate into your routine!
1. Store and charge your hearing aids in the same place every day.
With rechargeable batteries, it’s easy to put your hearing aids in the same place every day or evening — right in the charger. We advise keeping your charger right next to your bed. That way your hearing aids are the last thing you take out before going to sleep, and the first thing you put in when you wake up.
If you use non-rechargeable batteries, find a designated drawer to put your hearing aids into at night, or use the case that accompanies them. A nightstand drawer may work best. If you’re out swimming or participating in activities that require you to remove your hearing aids, make a habit of storing them in a protective case, which makes them easy to find again.
Another note regarding storing your hearing aids: If you have a dog or a cat at home, note that he or she would love to chew on your hearing aids. The scent reminds the dog of its owner, so make sure to keep them in a safe place, such as the charger or the case in a safe place. Children also have a habit of seeking out hearing aids to play with — be sure to keep them away from babies and toddlers.
2. Know your batteries.
Does your hearing aid use non-rechargeable batteries? If so, make a note of what size batteries your hearing aids require. If you’re not sure which batteries your hearing aids use, it can pose a problem when buying new ones while away from home. Don’t worry, though — that’s why batteries are universally coded by color and number: yellow – size 10, orange – size 13, brown – size 312, blue – size 675. If you don’t have the battery pack, use the batteries currently in your hearing aids for size comparison.
3. Create a routine.
Taking your hearing aids off and putting them back on in the same place every morning and evening can be very helpful in building a solid routine. This could be after combing your hair, showering or brushing your teeth — simple activities that you perform every day.
Although you might prefer keeping them in the bathroom, please do so with caution. Your hearing devices are small and could easily fall into the sink or toilet, experience moisture from humid showers, or suffer damage from hairsprays and makeup.
4. Turn on a light or lower background noise.
When your hearing is compromised, your other senses are hard at work to compensate. You use your eyes more to get clues about what is being said from people’s lips moving, their facial expressions and body language. By turning on a light and lowering background noise in the room when possible, you can make your life a little easier in situations with lots of noise.
5. Be open about your hearing loss.
Telling people about your hearing loss and sharing your experience of life with hearing aids can help other people understand your situation better. It also serves to destigmatize hearing loss and lets the person you’re talking with know you may need to move to a quieter, brighter place to continue your conversation.
At Madison Hearing Health, we take pride in guiding individuals like you through this process, helping you rediscover the joys of life with improved hearing. Establishing good habits from the start can make all the difference. Our team is dedicated to providing personalized care and support every step of the way. Whether you’re a new hearing aid user or seeking guidance on hearing health, we’re here to help. Schedule an appointment with us today by calling 812-273-6262.
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