The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders reports that, “Among adults aged 70 and older with hearing loss who could benefit from hearing aids, fewer than one in three (30 percent) has ever used them. Even fewer adults aged 20 to 69 (approximately 16 percent) who could benefit from wearing hearing aids have ever used them.”
If you are experiencing hearing loss and wanting to take the initiative to invest in your hearing health, the first step is to be seen by an audiologist for a hearing test. After the test, they can prescribe and program hearing aids to suit your needs.
Below we review what you can do to get the most out of your hearing aids this upcoming year.
Attend Follow-Up Visits
Many people mistakenly believe that if they see an audiologist once, they are all set with their new hearing aids. But hearing tests take place in soundproof booths, not the real world. You may find that the programming based on your hearing test does not provide the level of amplification you need when dining out at Sotto Mare on Green Street. This is why you need to attend follow-up visits – to tweak the programming so you can hear well in all situations you find yourself in.
Clean Them Every Day
To ensure your hearing aids are functioning properly and will last as long as possible, you must clean them daily. When you take out your hearing aids for the night, wipe them down with a soft, dry, clean cloth, then remove stubborn debris with a wax pick or wire loop. Finally, open the battery doors and brush out the compartment. If your hearing aids have tubing, take it off and wash it with warm, soapy water once a week – make sure it’s completely dry before reattaching it.
Try Out Accessories
Your hearing aids will provide you with significantly better hearing, but if you find there’s any other situations where you need an additional boost, accessories might be the trick. These might include wireless accessories, transmitters, receivers, power adaptors, earwax filters, charging stations and more.
For more information about hearing loss causes or to schedule an appointment with a hearing aid expert, call San Francisco Audiology today.