Whether you are getting your first set of hearing aids or you’ve been wearing them for years, it’s important that you consider whether or not your hearing aids are working for you. Different people have different needs when it comes to hearing and your needs and wants may evolve over the years. Your hearing healthcare provider can only help if they know your struggles, so it is key to advocate for yourself so together, you can find a solution.
Are Your Hearing Aids Sitting in a Drawer?
If you already own hearing aids but rarely wear them, ask yourself why.
Common reasons include:
- You’re finding them uncomfortable
- You don’t think they are helping as much as you think they should
- Background noise is overwhelming when trying to speak with others
- You are finding it difficult to adjust them yourself or keep them clean
Hearing aids should make life easier—not more frustrating. Identifying what’s preventing you from wearing them is the first step toward finding a better solution. More often than not, your hearing healthcare professional has exactly the solution to your issues such as:
- Adjustments to the fit and ensuring they are being inserted correctly
- Parts need to be replaced or cleaned
- Your ears need to be checked for wax occlusion
- A new hearing test needs to be performed to adjust your prescription
- Your needs and wants have changed and the sound needs to be adjusted
- Review of how to use noise programs for speech clarity or adjustments to how the hearing aids are handling speech in noise
- Consideration of supplementary tools to hearing aids such as hearing aid accessories
- Review on using and cleaning your hearing aids
- Checking that the hearing aids are working to clinic and manufacturer expectations
Were Your Hearing Aids Professionally Fitted?
Not all hearing devices are created equal.
Many over-the-counter devices and online products amplify sound but aren’t necessarily customized to your specific hearing loss, hearing struggles, wants, needs, and lifestyle. Professionally fitted hearing aids are programmed to your personal hearing needs, helping you hear speech more clearly while improving comfort and performance. Follow up care is often included by the hearing healthcare professional to manage ongoing maintenance and adjustments over time.
Are You Constantly Adjusting the Volume?
Occasional adjustments are normal when going into varying environments, but if you’re frequently changing the volume or constantly switching settings throughout the day (everyday), your hearing aids may need an adjustment.
Modern hearing aids can automatically adapt to different listening environments, reducing the need for constant manual adjustments and allowing you to focus on the conversation instead of your device. How you utilize things like the button on the hearing aid, hearing aid remote, or mobile app for manual adjustments can also evolve and are all things that can be customized by your hearing healthcare professional to how you like it.
Are Your Hearing Aids Comfortable?
Comfort is essential.
If your hearing aids cause discomfort, slip out of place, whistle, or require frequent repositioning, they may need to be adjusted.
Our ears can change over time as well so a simple fitting adjustment can often improve comfort significantly. Depending on the style of aid, earmolds can be remade, dome sizes and wire lengths can be changed, and for custom aids – casings can be modified or remade when needed.
Do Your Hearing Aids Fit Your Lifestyle?
Your daily routine may look very different than it did when you first purchased your hearing aids – that’s life!
Perhaps you’ve:
- Started exercising regularly
- Begun attending more social events
- Spend more time on video calls
- Enjoy music or live performances
- Frequently talk on your smartphone
Different hearing aids are designed for different lifestyles, as are the settings hearing healthcare professionals manage within them. If your activities have changed, upgrading your technology or speaking with your provider about how to better utilize the aids you have can make a noticeable difference.
Are You Self-Conscious About Wearing Hearing Aids?
Many people feel hesitant about wearing hearing aids at first, but today’s devices are smaller, more discreet, and more stylish than ever before.
In fact, many modern hearing aids are nearly invisible when worn, while others resemble wireless earbuds.
Most people are far more likely to notice untreated hearing loss than a discreet hearing aid.
Do You Need an Upgrade?
Many people replace their hearing aids every 5-7 years. This is based on a few things:
- Manufacturers have discontinued the hearing aid model and as the manufacturer warranty has lapsed they may:
- Not repair the aid based on discontinued parts etc.
- The cost of the out-of-warranty repair would become more costly than usual and may come with a lesser (or no) repair warranty
- Hearing aid technology advances yearly (if not more often). Although you do not need to replace your hearing aids with every new model by the 5 year mark, you could be 5 or more generations of technology behind. In short – you could be hearing better.
- Most third party funding becomes available again around this time to help with your replacement if needed.
- You’re a pro now – you’ve been wearing hearing aids long enough that you probably know exactly what you need or want from your next hearing aid.
Is It Time for a Follow Up?
You, your hearing technology, and your hearing healthcare professional —should work together on an ongoing basis to help you stay connected with the people and activities you enjoy.
If you’ve noticed changes in your hearing, are struggling with your current hearing aids, or simply want to learn about the latest technology, a professional hearing assessment or follow-up appointment can help determine the best solution for your needs.
At Academy Hearing Centres in Calgary, our experienced team provides comprehensive hearing evaluations, personalized hearing aid fittings, and ongoing support to help you hear your best.
Book an appointment today to discover whether your current hearing aids are still the right fit—or whether newer technology could improve your hearing experience. Whether you are getting your first set of hearing aids or you’ve been wearing them for years, it’s important that you consider whether or not your hearing aids are working for you. Different people have different needs when it comes to hearing and your needs and wants may evolve over the years. Your hearing healthcare provider can only help if they know your struggles, so it is key to advocate for yourself so together, you can find a solution.
