Ask a professional: How to Get the Most Out of Your Hearing Aids
Q: What are some tips and tricks to get the most out of my hearing aids?
A: Investing in better hearing can truly enhance your quality of life. While hearing aids provide many benefits, using them properly and taking care of them is key to getting the most out of your experience.
Care
Clean your hearing aids regularly and schedule regular checkups to keep them performing at their best. Follow your hearing care professional's guidance and take time to get familiar with your hearing aids’ features, like mobile apps or assistive tools that help in different and more challenging environments. Explore the different programs and settings to discover what works best for your lifestyle.
Troubleshooting
It’s also helpful to learn basic troubleshooting, so you can handle small issues on your own. Keep a record or journal with questions and concerns that can be addressed by your hearing care professional.
Wear
Most importantly, wear your hearing aids consistently. This helps your brain adapt and improves how you process sound over time. Be patient – adjusting takes time. If you're still facing challenges, your hearing care professional can fine-tune settings or suggest solutions including communication strategies and listening exercises designed to help you succeed.
Q: Are there features in my hearing aids that I might not be using correctly?
Bluetooth®
Bluetooth® connectivity, for example, allows hearing aids to pair with smartphones for streaming audio or making hands-free calls. While incredibly useful, this setup can feel a bit overwhelming at first.
Directional microphones
The same goes for adjusting settings like directional microphones (to focus on specific sound sources) or fine-tuning high and low frequencies for better clarity.
Some people might not be aware of extra features available to them, such as tinnitus masking, health tracking, app updates, or even remote support from their hearing care professional.
Q: Can I stream phone calls or music with my hearing aids?
If your hearing aids don’t have built-in Bluetooth® , you can often use a separate accessory to connect them to your device. There are also additional tools, such as assistive listening devices (such as FM systems or remote microphones), that can help in noisier situations, such as meetings or group settings, by streaming the speaker’s voice directly to your hearing aids.
Some models also include telecoils, which let you connect to sound systems in loop-equipped spaces like theatres or places of worship for clearer, more direct sound.
Find a hearing care professional near you
Q: Are there apps that work with hearing aids to improve sound quality or control?
A: Yes, most modern hearing aids work with smartphone apps that are designed to help you easily adjust settings for clearer, more personalized sound. These apps usually offer easy controls for volume, program changes for different environments, and microphone direction.
The more advanced the hearing aid technology, the more features the app will typically include. In addition to the manufacturer’s app, there are also other useful apps, including ones that provide closed captions, real-time translation, or sound alerts, to help improve communication and make everyday situations more comfortable and engaging.
