Data from the MarkeTrak 2022 survey found that more than 80% of hearing aid owners were satisfied with their devices. With a microphone that collects sound, an amplifier that raises its volume and a speaker that transmits it directly into the ear canal, the devices can provide many benefits, including but not limited to:
- Improved communication
- Tinnitus symptom management
- Improve awareness of your surroundings
- Improved balance
With every new set of hearing aids, you will likely go through an adjustment period where they may feel strange or uncomfortable. Knowing the common issues people have with their hearing aids and some easy solutions can help make adjusting to your new devices much easier.
Every hearing aid experience is unique, but some common problems you may encounter include:
- Uncomfortable or unclear sounds
- Appearance
Let’s look at each of these a little more closely.
Uncomfortable or Unclear Sounds
Uncomfortable sounds with new hearing aids will likely fall into one of two categories:
- Whistling noise. Whistling noises are usually the result of feedback from earwax buildup or improper positioning. Try cleaning your device according to the manual instructions and repositioning them in your ears. If you can still hear feedback, there may be underlying issues in your ear canal or with the device. If you cannot fix it on your own, make an appointment with an audiologist to pinpoint the source of the feedback.
- Sound that feels too loud. If you aren’t used to hearing small noises like birds whistling or the keyboard typing of those next to you at Café Cesura, it is likely that these sounds will feel uncomfortably loud at first. If they start to feel overwhelming, try taking the devices out for a little while to give yourself a break and putting them back in when you feel ready. If the discomfort persists for more than a couple of weeks or is bad enough that you feel you can’t wear the devices, make an appointment with your audiologist to check the programming.
- Unclear sounds. Muffled or unclear sound is most frequently a result of earwax buildup in the devices or ear canal. Try cleaning the devices according to the manual instructions and see if the sound is clearer. If it isn’t, you may have a surplus of wax in the ear canal. If this is the case, make an appointment with a doctor to check if a professional cleaning is needed.
Appearance
Hearing loss has been incorrectly associated with aging for a long time, but this association is quickly disappearing. People of all ages have hearing loss, and it is becoming increasingly common, with one in eight people in the United States 12 years or older being affected. If you are concerned about the appearance of hearing aids, take comfort in the fact that you aren’t alone and let the devices bolster you with new confidence in your life.
For more information on beginning your hearing loss treatment journey, contact Evergreen Speech and Hearing Clinic today.