What problems might I experience while adjusting to my hearing aids?
All hearing aids require adjustments. Some common problems that can be corrected in the office include: “My voice sounds like I’m talking in a barrel, my hearing aids whistle, my ears feel plugged-up, I hear too much background noise…” All of these common complaints/problems can generally be addressed to the user’s satisfaction using new technology, better hearing aid circuits and excellent clinical protocols.
Become familiar with your hearing aid. The hearing aid may appear quite small to use at first. Be sure to practice putting in and taking out the aid(s), adjusting volume control, cleaning, and replacing the batteries. Your own voice may sound too loud. This is called the occlusion effect and is very common for new hearing aid users. Most people adjust to this sensation over time, however an audiologist may adjust the programming of your hearing aid to alleviate this discomfort. Your hearing aid may “whistle.” When this happens, you are experiencing feedback, which is caused by the fit of the hearing aid. Make sure your ears are clear of wax, and the hearing aid is not clogged. Try inserting it and seating it a few times until the “whistle” goes away. You may hear background noise. Keep in mind that a hearing aid does not completely separate the sounds you want to hear from the ones you do not want to hear.
• Become familiar with your hearing aid. The hearing aid may appear quite small and “fiddly” to use at first. Be sure to practice putting in and taking out the aid(s), adjusting volume control, cleaning, and replacing the batteries. • Your own voice may sound too loud. This is called the occlusion effect and is very common for new hearing aid users. An audiologist may or may not be able to correct this problem; however, most people get used to it over time. • Your hearing aid may “whistle.” When this happens, you are experiencing feedback, which is caused by the fit of the hearing aid or by the buildup of earwax or fluid. Make sure your ears are clear of wax, and the tip is not clogged. Try inserting it and seating it a few times until the “whistle goes away. • You may hear background noise. Keep in mind that a hearing aid does not completely separate the sounds you want to hear from the ones you do not want to hear.
A hearing aid is an electronic, battery-operated device that amplifies and changes sound to allow for improved communication. Hearing aids receive sound through a microphone, which then converts the sound waves to electrical signals. The amplifier increases the loudness of the signals and then sends the sound to the ear through a speaker. How Common Is Hearing Loss and What Causes It? Approximately 28 million Americans have a hearing impairment. Hearing loss is one of the most prevalent chronic health conditions in the United States, affecting people of all ages, in all segments of the population, and across all socioeconomic levels. Hearing loss affects approximately 17 in 1,000 children under age 18. Incidence increases with age: approximately 314 in 1,000 people over age 65 have hearing loss. Hearing loss can be hereditary, or it can result from disease, trauma, or long-term exposure to damaging noise or medications.
All hearing aids require adjustments. Some common problems that can be corrected in the office include: ” My voice sounds like I’m talking in a barrel, my hearing aids whistle, my ears feel plugged-up, I hear too much background noise… ” All of these common complaints/problems can generally be addressed to the user’s satisfaction using new technology, better hearing aid circuits and excellent clinical protocols.
