The start of a New Year is often viewed as a new chapter. Many people are turning their attention and priorities to self-improvement and personal goals, setting intentions for the things that they want to accomplish in the coming year.
Each person is unique, which is why their resolutions are often different. If you are wearing hearing aids, then here are a few goals that you might consider adding to your list this year. In this article, we are taking a closer look at the way you can manage and maximize your use of hearing aids, helping you enjoy the benefits of optimal hearing and an upgraded lifestyle in 2025.
Make sure that your hearing devices are working optimally this year. A few regular maintenance tasks can make a big difference in how well your hearing aids are performing:
Even though you are already using hearing aids, it doesn’t mean that your hearing hasn’t changed recently. We recommend annual hearing tests to evaluate your current hearing and track the progression of hearing loss. Remember that hearing can change over time, even with hearing aids.
These annual hearing tests are helpful so that we can calibrate the hearing aids based on your unique needs. There are times when seemingly small adjustments can make a big difference in your overall experience. We can make adjustments to environmental settings and hearing thresholds to help you achieve optimal results. If needed, your audiologist might recommend guidance on the latest technology or potential hearing aid upgrades if you need them.
When you are consistent with your checkups, there is a higher likelihood that our experienced team can identify further signs of hearing loss in the earliest stages. If there are other ear-related conditions, then early intervention is key to reducing the long-term risks that you will experience.
Some patients are tempted to remove their hearing aids at times. But the truth is that you will receive most benefits if you are wearing your hearing aids consistently. Using these small devices daily, even when you are in quiet environments, helps you maintain familiarity with sounds. Regular use will improve your overall hearing experience.
It’s important that you maintain be best hearing possible to enhance brain adaption. Additionally, using your hearing aids will help to reduce listening fatigue.
Why are you having a hard time wearing your hearing aids regularly? Talk to our team to overcome common barriers. Some of the issues that we can help with include discomfort or self-consciousness about wearing hearing aids.
Are you maximizing the use of your hearing aids? Set aside time to read through the user manual so that you can identify any extra features that might upgrade your lifestyle.
Some of the features that you might not be utilizing include:
Also, you can learn how to experiment with the settings in order to optimize performance. When you are using hearing aids in different environments, then it often makes sense to adjust the settings. For example, you will find it helpful to adjust the settings before going to a crowded restaurant or participating in outdoor activities.
Keep in mind that most modern hearing aids offer integration with a Bluetooth-connected smartphone app. This feature makes it easier to adjust the volume or monitor the battery life so you know when the hearing aids need to be recharged.
One of the benefits of using hearing aids is that you can participate more proactively in conversations with friends and family. But you may still encounter communication challenges, so one of your goals for the year could be an improvement in communication. Talk to your loved ones about these challenges and see if they can assist you.
Other ways that you can improve communication involve the way you are interacting with people in the moment. Make sure that you sit in a position so that you are facing the speaker. If possible, reduce background noise by turning off the TV or stereo. When the other person says something that you don’t understand, then ask for repetition if needed. These tips seem small, but they can have a significant impact to help improve communication and understanding overall.
While hearing aids can be helpful for many aspects of life, there are times when it might be helpful to use other Assistive Listening Devices (ALDs) on an as-needed basis. These devices are designed to complement hearing aids (not replace them). Examples of ALDs include:
These devices help to make specific activities more enjoyable, such as watching TV or attending a meeting. They can also reduce your stress and mental fatigue during the activity. If you are considering the benefits of ALDs, then the best solution is to talk to your audiologist for personalized recommendations.
If you need assistance with hearing aid adjustments or personal recommendations, then our team is always here to help. For more information, contact us at Fairfax Hearing Center to schedule a consultation.
