To book or not to book? That is the question for many people who have contacted us with questions or concerns about their hearing: Do I need an appointment for this?
For many occasions, it’s best to come in to have a professional take a look at what you’re concerned about. Questions like, “Has my hearing loss gotten worse?” or “Why won’t my hearing aid work anymore?” often require having your audiologist in front of you to help.
But there are some questions that we can answer quickly for you over the phone, or over this blog, that don’t require you to take time out of your day to come in and see us. As much as we love seeing you, we understand that you’re busy, so we’ll do what we can to help from the sidelines, too.
For all your important hearing aid questions, you’re in the right place.
How Long Do Hearing Aid Batteries Last?
Your hearing aid battery longevity depends on whether you’re using rechargeable or disposable batteries.
Rechargeable batteries can be put on charge each night when you take your hearing aids off, so you can rest assured that your hearing aids will always be ready to help you every day.
Disposable batteries differ depending on size and brand, but they can last anywhere from three to 20 days depending on the make and model. If you’re concerned that your hearing aid batteries need changing and you don’t know how to swap them out, give us a call and we can help you out.
What Level of Hearing Loss Requires a Hearing Aid?
If your hearing loss challenge is starting to affect your day-to-day life, it’s recommended that you visit an audiologist to get your hearing tested and see how you can help your ears.
Do you find yourself turning up the TV volume, or asking people to repeat themselves constantly? Maybe you’re forgetting things that people told you, or you’re feeling like you’re falling behind at work…
Professional hearing care can help you take control of your hearing health and rejoin the conversations you’re missing out on. We’re here to help!
How Do I Adjust My Hearing Aid Volume?
While there are many different manufacturers of hearing aids, the volume controls are all similar. We recommend looking at your hearing aid’s instruction manual to find out more specifics about your devices.
For most behind-the-ear (BTE) models, there will be buttons to adjust the volume; for smaller models, like in-the-ear (ITE) or completely-in-the-canal (CITC), you can adjust the volume via your hearing aid’s app.
How Do I Put in My Hearing Aid?
Like with volume controls, inserting your hearing aid into your ear differs between the various makes and models of hearing aid. However, there are some general tips to ensure that you get a secure fit after taking them out to sleep, shower, or swim.
- Use your right hand to put in your right-ear hearing aid, and your left hand for your left ear
- Each hearing aid should have markers to help you figure out which is for which ear, whether that be L and R written on the pieces or colored marks to help differentiate the devices
- Use a mirror while inserting your hearing aid to make sure you can see what you’re doing
Every brand and style of hearing aid looks a little different when it’s sitting in your ear; if you’re struggling with putting your hearing aids in, please feel free to contact us for help.
How Should My Hearing Aid Domes Fit?
The dome of your hearing aid, which is the part that goes into your ear canal, should fit snugly and not feel loose or too tight. An ill-fitting dome can cause serious discomfort or make you feel like your hearing aid is on the verge of falling out!
If your domes aren’t fitting right, most packs come with multiple sizes for different ear needs. They’re as easy to swap out as earbud domes, so try a few different sizes to see which ones work best for your needs.
Still Need Help With Your Hearing Aids?
We’re here to help if you’re still struggling with your devices.
Please feel free to request a callback and tell us about your concern or ask your question, and we’ll get in touch with you as soon as we can.
Don’t want to wait? You can always call us at your closest office:
Adel (515) 276-6122
Grinnell (641) 236-5680
Urbandale (515) 276-6122