So you finally went out and invested in a new pair of hearing aids. Congrats, it’s an excellent start to enhancing the quality of your life. There are things you should learn to do and not to do with newer technology like modern hearing aids. It’s not a huge list with hearing aids, but it is an important one.

There are other considerations besides just caring for your hearing. Your adjustment time will be delayed by the things you don’t do and your hearing aids will be less useful. It’s time to learn from the mistakes other people in your shoes have made; think about these four things you shouldn’t do with those new hearing aids.

1. Straight Out of the Box Into Your Ear

If you don’t explore the features that come with the brand you bought and take the time to understand the basics of how your device functions you could be ignoring powerful features. Chances are if you just turn on your new hearing aid and start wearing them, they won’t work effectively for you. You may also lose out on the best features like Bluetooth or noise filters.

On the other hand, if you simply slow it down a little and read the documentation that came with the device, you can learn how to get the cleanest sound quality and work on various configurations that maximize the hearing aid’s function.

You will already have a basic understanding of what your hearing aids can do when you purchase them. It will take a little more time but you have to learn how to use them properly.

2. Disregard the Adjustment Factor

Anytime you get new glasses, your eyes require time to adapt to the change in the lenses or the shape of the frame. There is also an adaptation period when it comes to hearing aids. High quality sound in a new hearing aid does not happen by magic. It doesn’t work that way.

There is an adjustment period your ears will require if you’re new to wearing hearing aids. Adapting to new hearing aids quickly is all about consistency.

After you put them in leave them in. Often, new users feel an urge to keep taking them out. That urge needs to be resisted. Ask yourself why you might be uncomfortable.

• Until you get used to it, take out the hearing aids when it gets uncomfortable. Go back to the seller and have your hearing aids checked if they don’t seem to fit right..
• Are you overwhelmed by the background noise? Go to a quiet place for a few minutes when you first put them in each day. Sit down and talk with a friend. Ask if you are talking too loud. This will help you make adjustments to balance out the sound.
• Is the sound too loud? Perhaps you need to turn down the volume.

The worst mistake you can make is to give up. Your hearing aids won’t do any good shoved in a drawer and forgotten.

3. Have the Hearing Aid Fitted When You First Buy it

Finding the right hearing aids begins before you start actually shopping and there is a lot to it. During your hearing exam at the audiologist, it’s important to tell the truth about what you can and can’t hear. Hearing aids that aren’t right for your type or level of hearing loss can be the result. For instance, some hearing aids by design amplify a high-frequency sound. If you have a hard time hearing mid or low sounds, these are not the ideal hearing aids for you.

In some cases, hearing aids might not seem to fit your lifestyle. Bluetooth technology is a feature that you will need if you use a phone allot.

While you are still in the trial period for your new hearing aids, take note of the times where you wished your hearing aids did something different or when it felt like they didn’t function correctly. Your hearing care technician can discuss that with you if you bring them back. You may need a different type of device or you might just need an adjustment.

Most retailers do free fittings so be sure to find one of them when you get your hearing aids. They won’t work if they are too big for your ears.

4. Neglected Maintenance

Successful upkeep of your hearing aids begins with knowing how and when to do it. Take the time to learn how to care for your hearing aids even if this isn’t your first rodeo.

There are things you don’t want to do when you have your hearing aids in like using hair care products with them in or taking them out without turning them off so read your documentation.

Additionally, study the troubleshooting instructions and the maintenance guide.

Understand exactly how to clean your hearing aids because that’s an important part of effective maintenance. Don’t quit at only cleaning the device, either. You also have to properly clean your ears.

It’s up to you to ensure you get the most from your new hearing aids. It’s a continuing process from shopping to use. Get a hearing test with a hearing specialist to find out what type of hearing aid will best fit your needs.