Getting the Most Out Of Your Hearing Aids

By Kathy Mellott, AuD

Audiology Unlimited

. http://www.audiologyunlimited.net/

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Getting the Most Out Of Your Hearing Aids

Hearing aid manufacturers know that satisfied clients lead to repeat business and to positive word-of-mouth advertising for their products. Audiologists allow significant interaction with the person with the hearing loss to assure that they have done all things possible to meet your needs. You have an important role to play in assuring satisfaction with your hearing aids. Here are some suggestions for optimizing the chances that you will be a satisfied hearing aid user.

1. Meeting Your Needs Identify difficult communication situations. Some people want highly technical information, while others just want a brief overview of hearing aids and their function.

2. Motivation Highly motivated individuals have a better chance of success with hearing aids. Motivated people recognize their hearing loss and are open to change.

3. Positive Attitude Willingness to try hearing aids, adapt to new solutions, and keep frustration at a minimum are keys to success with amplification.

4. Age of Your Hearing Aids Customer satisfaction is at its highest in the first year. It is important that you make sure that both the physical and audiological fit of your hearing aids is optimized for your hearing loss today. Replace your hearing aids every three to five years.

5. Choice of Technology Customers are more satisfied with programmable technology, which allows the dispenser to adjust the hearing aid to your specific hearing loss with more precision.

6. Controls on Your Hearing Aid Determine your needs with respect to control of the hearing aid. Explore your needs with your audiologist.

7. Sound Quality An important aspect of an enjoyable hearing aid experience is that you like the sound quality of hearing aids.

8. Do not Purchase Based Only on Cosmetics The hearing aid industry has reduced the size of hearing aids to near invisibility. The problem is that the smallest hearing aid may not be the most suitable for you.

9. Developing Realistic Expectations during the trial period Be patient with your self. Be realistic. Remember that it takes time to get used to hearing aids, especially if you're a new wearer.

10. Ear Wax Protection Earwax is a common problem with hearing aids. Purchase hearing aids with proven methods of keeping earwax out of the hearing aid.