Many people use hearing aids as a part of the management of their hearing and communication needs. Hearing aids are usually fitted in a clinic setting by an audiologist who should also advise on the use and management of the device, as well as aspects of communication specific to the individual. Hearing aids should be programmed, and functionality set to meet individual needs and capabilities.
Traditionally, after the hearing aid fitting there is a follow-up appointment. The follow-up appointments enables: the individual to share their experience with the audiologist and for adjustments to be made, for the audiologist to provide further advice and support including onward referral to other agencies as required, for the audiologist to observe the correct fitting and handling of the device and for patient-reported outcome and experience measures to be obtained.
This level of dedicated aftercare is not merely an additional service; it's the foundation of effective hearing care, ensuring your hearing aids perform optimally throughout their lifespan. Adjusting to new hearing aids is a process that takes time and patience. When you first start wearing them, your brain needs to re-learn how to process the sounds it hasn't been hearing clearly.
To be honest, wearing hearing aids for the first time can feel odd. Your ears might feel full, or you might be overly aware of the device in your ear. At first, everyday sounds may seem unusually loud or strange.
The rustling of leaves, the hum of a refrigerator, or even your own footsteps can sound different and more pronounced. Your tolerance to volume levels might change. You might find certain noises overwhelmingly loud until your brain adjusts to the new volume levels. Understanding speech, especially in noisy environments, can be challenging at first. It might take some time before conversations sound clear and natural.
The journey to comfortable and effective use of hearing aids is a process that extends beyond the initial fitting. That’s why good follow-up care is a critical component of successful hearing aid use. It ensures that you not only adjust to your new hearing aids but also maximize their benefits for a better quality of life.
Regular follow-up appointments with your audiologist are vital to guarantee the best hearing experience. Why are these follow-up visits so important? Let's delve into the reasons.
During routine appointments, your hearing aids undergo thorough cleaning and maintenance. Dust, skin cells, debris, and wax can block the tiny microphones and speakers in your hearing aids, impairing their performance. Regular cleaning can prevent these issues, ensuring optimal sound quality and longevity of your device.
Audiologists use specialized equipment to evaluate the performance of your hearing aids. For an example, in 20dB Digisound our audiologist does real-ear measurements, also referred to as real-ear verification or hearing aid verification, are an objective measure of what a hearing aid is doing inside the ear canal. In simple terms, the reason for doing verification and real-ear measurements is to confirm that the hearing aid is performing in a certain manner to provide maximum benefit.
For those with rechargeable hearing aids, routine appointments offer an opportunity to assess the health of your batteries. Over time, lithium-ion batteries lose their ability to hold a full charge, which could result in sub-optimal power throughout the day. By monitoring the battery condition, we can address any issues proactively.
Our ability to hear can decline over time due to age and environmental factors. During routine appointments, your audiologist will assess any changes in your hearing and adjust the hearing aid settings accordingly.
Regular check-ups can reveal unexpected issues that could significantly impact your hearing experience. Things like dislodged domes, wax build-up, debris, or foreign objects in the ear canal can cause irritation and hinder the effectiveness of your hearing aids.
In conclusion, treating your hearing loss is as much about the ongoing care as it is about the initial diagnosis. By prioritizing regular follow-up appointments with your audiologist at you invest in a lifetime of clear and meaningful communication.
Written by: Mohana, Audiologist at 20dB Digisound
