In this article, we'll introduce you some facts about hearing aids.
One vs. Two Hearing Aid How long do hearing aids last Do I go to sleep with my hearing aids Do I need to wear my hearing aids all the time Do I need a new hearing aid every time when I have a hearing test Do hearing aids require cleaning & maintenance periodically Loud noises and hearing aids Are my hearing aids waterproof What are some simple strategies that I can troubleshoot my hearing aids by myself Don’ts for the hearing aids Wearing hearing aids is a learning process
One vs. Two Hearing Aids?
If you have hearing loss in one ear, then wearing a hearing aid in that ear is enough; however, if you have hearing loss in both ears, two hearing aids are strongly recommended. Some benefits of wearing two hearing aids:
- We can localize sounds better
- With two hearing aids, we can hear sounds slightly louder (approximately 6 dBs louder), and therefore we can provide the brain with fuller sound quality.
- Untreated hearing loss can lead to more severe degrees of hearing loss, and more other health issues, such as Dementia and Alzheimer’s.
- If finance is an issue, remember two hearing aids is ideal, but one is better than nothing.
How long do hearing aids last?
Hearing aids last on average 5 – 8 years; however, just like everything else in life, if you take good care of it, it tends to last longer.
You can learn more hearing aids life span here.
Do I go to sleep with my hearing aids?
No, you don’t go to sleep with your hearing aids. Your ears also need a break from wearing hearing aids.
Do I need to wear my hearing aids all the time?
It is strongly recommended to wear your hearing aids all the time (except when you are showering & sleeping). The ears are functioning as a sound conducting system, ultimately everything must make sense up in the brain. So, we want to keep the hearing part of the brain as active as we can, and we do so by wearing hearing aids consistently.
Even when you are by yourself, there are always environmental sounds around us, and you want your brain to hear that information too.
Do I need a new hearing aid every time when I have a hearing test?
Most of the time, no. Hearing aids nowadays are programmable, but many factors could contribute to this decision. Common factors such as changes in the severity of hearing loss, conditions of the hearing aids, and changes in lifestyles. Ultimately, it will always be a decision between you and your hearing health professionals.
Loud noises and hearing aids
When you are around loud noises you should not wear your hearing aids, instead you should wear hearing protection. Even when the hearing aids are shut off, they cannot function as hearing protection.
Do hearing aids require cleaning & maintenance periodically?
The answer is absolutely yes! Just like anything else in life, hearing aids also require cleaning and maintenance, especially if you would like the hearing aids to last for as long as they can.
A general rule of thumb is that you should follow up with your hearing health professionals at least once every six months for a hearing aid check visit, even if you are satisfied with your hearing aids. This is because by doing so, we can ensure that the hearing aids are functioning in their best condition as possible.
Are my hearing aids waterproof?
Most hearing aids nowadays are still only water-resistant, they are not waterproof. This means if you accidentally got some water onto the hearing aids, don’t be nervous, what you should do is whip the water and/or moisture off the hearing aids with a dry towel or dry tissues as soon as possible. Fun fact, placing the hearing aid in a cup of dry rice can be helpful.
What are some simple strategies that I can troubleshoot my hearing aids by myself?
- Whenever you take the hearing aids out of your ears, visually inspect, and general whip down any earwax and / or debris on the hearing aids with clean dry tissues or towels.
- Change filters & domes (if applicable) of the hearing aids when they are dirty, or when the hearing aids are not functioning.
- Gently brush off the microphones of the hearing aids at least once per month.
Don’ts for the hearing aids
- Don’t jump into the shower or swimming with your hearing aids.
- Don’t put your hearing aids and hearing aids storage case in the bathroom, next to the kitchen sink, coffee maker, or anywhere near water or moisture.
- Don’t put your hearing aids somewhere dusty or anywhere that your pets can reach.
- Don’t ever loosely put your hearing aids into your pockets, or on a table, because you are either going to lose them, or they will end up in the washer.
Wearing hearing aids is a learning process
If you are a first-time hearing aid wearer, there is going to be a short period of time in the beginning for you to get used to making hearing aids wearing as a part of your morning routine.
There is going to be a learning curve for the process of putting the hearing aids in and removing the hearing aids out of the ears. Additionally, in the beginning your hearing health professionals might under-amplify you, or not provide you with the exact amount of amplification that you should receive based on your hearing loss and the prescriptions, to avoid you perceiving the hearing aids being too loud.
But overtime, the volume of the hearing aids can be slowly turned up, and the process of wearing and removing the hearing aids will become second nature. Overall, consistency is the key to hearing aids.