Hearing aids are the most common treatment for people with hearing loss. In 2019, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that 7.1% of adults aged 45 or older used a hearing aid.
If you are new to hearing aids, one of the most essential and basic things that you need to know is how to adjust the volume on your device correctly.
Manually Adjusting Your Hearing Aids
Many hearing aids come with manual volume controls shaped like small levels. While different hearing aids may vary slightly, in general, manually adjusting the volume is quite straightforward:
- Push the lever up to raise the volume
- Push the lever down to lower the volume
Every time you adjust the volume, your hearing aid will likely make a beeping noise. That noise will be higher-pitched when you raise the volume and lower-pitched when you decrease the volume. If you hear a steady tone, that means you have reached the maximum or minimum volume available.
Hearing Aids Can Automatically Adjust Their Volume
One of the great things about many hearing aids on the market today is that they have the ability to automatically adjust their volume based on your environment. This feature is helpful as we navigate different listening environments throughout our day, from enjoying a quiet morning at home to meeting up with friends for a happy hour at Woody’s Brewing Co.
Your hearing aids will work to amplify soft sounds more than loud sounds, and by getting them fitted by an audiologist, they’ll be customized specifically to pick up the sounds you struggle with the most.
Hearing Aid Adjustment Tips
When new to hearing aids, it’s important to remember that it takes a bit of time for your ears and brain to adjust to a new way of hearing. You will likely be picking up on sounds you haven’t heard for a while, and all that noise might seem overwhelming. Try following these helpful tips to make the adjustment process easier:
- Start slow. Wear your hearing aids a few hours a day and gradually build up time as you get used to them.
- Pick quiet places. Don’t immediately go out to a loud bar or out to the rodeo right after getting hearing aids. Start off using them in quiet situations with only a few people around.
- Be patient. Try not to get frustrated with your hearing aids or yourself. Know that it takes time, and take breaks when needed.
- Visit a hearing specialist. If you’re experiencing discomfort or pain while wearing your hearing aids, contact a specialist so that they can be re-fitted.
To learn more or to schedule an appointment with one of our hearing specialists, contact Audiology Associates of Redding today.