Problem 1: They’re Uncomfortable

When people complain that their hearing aids are uncomfortable, it usually means the devices don’t fit properly. If you have receiver-in-the-canal (RIC) hearing aids that keep falling off your ears, it’s possible that the tubing that connects the hearing aid to the earmold is too long. Earmolds and in-the-ear (ITE) hearing aids that don’t fit properly can cause pain and redness in your ears, making you less likely to wear them. It may also affect the sound quality.

Solution: Get The Right Fit

See an experienced audiologist to get the correct fit for your hearing aids. It might take a couple of tries, but once you find the perfect fit, you’ll be much more likely to wear them.

Problem 2: You Don’t Feel Confident Wearing Them

Not sure if your hearing aids are in your ears correctly? Did you forget how to change the battery? Are you confused by the different settings on your device? Do the smartphone adjustments make you feel like a luddite?

Solution: Ask For Help

Audiologists work with these devices every day, and they want your hearing aids to work for you. There are no dumb questions. Your audiologist will answer your questions, help you with the technology, and assist you with the fit and adjustments for your hearing aids so you can gain the confidence to wear them every day.

Problem 3: You Wear Them, But Only Sometimes

Do you “save” your hearing aids for family occasions or an evening out with friends, but leave them on the nightstand the rest of the time? When you only wear your hearing aids sometimes, your brain is constantly re-learning how to process the signals from your ears, making it difficult to get accustomed to your devices.

Solution: Wear Your Hearing Aids Every Day

Wearing your hearing aids every day teaches your brain how to process the signals it gets from your ears in different environments, and allows your brain to get accustomed to sounds you don’t hear when you’re not using your devices. What’s more, wearing your hearing aids every day will make you familiar with how they feel, and give you confidence in using them.

Problem 4: You Can’t Hear With Your Hearing Aids Anymore

If you used to wear your hearing aids regularly, but stopped because you found that you just couldn’t hear that well anymore, don’t give up on them!

Solution: Visit Your Audiologist

Share your concerns with your hearing doctor. Maybe your hearing has changed and your hearing aids need to be reprogrammed or fine-tuned. Or, it could be as simple as giving your devices a good cleaning.

Whatever the problem with your hearing aids, there is always a solution. Not wearing them is not the answer – it just places a burden on your health and relationships, and diminishes your quality of life while you keep struggling with your hearing.

Remember that it takes practice getting used to hearing aids, but the time and effort is well worth it to keep you fully engaged in your life. Your audiologist is here to help.