Hearing aids are a fantastic invention and can make a massive difference to your life if you have hearing loss. They can not only improve your hearing, but they can also help to improve your social life and overall happiness too. However, like with anything, there will always be issues. They are nothing that you can’t overcome, but it’s important to be aware of them so that you can avoid these common problems hearing aid users face.

Battery life

Could our lives be ruled anymore by battery life? The answer is yes! Hearing aids need tiny batteries to operate, so that means you will have to be aware of your hearing aid’s battery life. It’s nothing too taxing though, and all it means is that you should carry spares, they are only small, so you can take plenty with you and then remember to switch off the devices whenever you’re not using them.

Moisture concerns

There’s no getting away from it; your hearing aids are bound to meet moisture. Whether it’s your sweat, the shower or just a rainy day. Hearing aids are resilient, and they have been built to withstand moisture. However, you should still take your hearing aids out during a shower, but a bit of sweat or a little bad weather won’t cause damage or cause them to slip and fall out.

Too much earwax

If you have a build-up of earwax, then this can cause interference with hearing aids as it can block the device’s microphone and other small parts, which means it won’t work as well. However, if you wipe your hearing aids clean after you remove them to avoid build-up on the devices themselves and regularly clean your ears, then you shouldn’t have a problem.

Feedback

Hearing aids can pick up on their own noises. This usually happens if something is rubbed against them and then they end up amplifying the sounds they’re making which causes a high-pitched squealing sound. To avoid this, then don’t turn on your hearing aid until it is in your ear, and make sure it fits properly.

Swimming

If you like to go to the beach a lot or enjoy swimming, then this can be difficult when you have hearing aids. Hearing aid manufacturers are continually addressing the issue, but so far, options are still scarce, with very few completely waterproof hearing aids on the market. However, if swimming is a big part of your life, speak to your hearing health professional, who will be able to make some recommendations. If you are around the water a lot, just make sure that you store your hearing aids in a safe place.

Sleeping

Many people worry about what they should do about their hearing aids at bedtime. Do they leave them in and then have the discomfort while they’re trying to get a good night’s sleep? Or take them out and risk not hearing their children, an intruder, an alarm clock or a smoke detector? Luckily, there hearing aids available now that are suitable for you to wear 24/7. Just let your audiologist know your concerns, and they will make sure that you get the most appropriate devices for your needs.

Headaches

As you get used to your hearing aids, you might experience mild headaches. This is normal; however, if your hearing aids are causing you persistent headaches, then something is wrong with the way they are fitted or the way they have been set up. Again, your audiologist can sort this out for you and adjust the settings so that they’re suitable for you.

Volume control

You might think of hearing aids from the past, which required a lot of adjusting. Did you know someone who was always fiddling with their hearing aid if they went to answer the phone and then again to sit and watch television and then again when they were sat around the dinner table? Many people worry that this is what life with a hearing aid will be like, but today’s digital hearing aids are nothing like that and they will auto-adjust to your surroundings and therefore minimize the amount of time you will have to spend fussing over the volume control and drawing attention to yourself and your hearing aids. To learn more about Arkansas Professional Hearing Care, call today at (501) 588-0177.