Hearing Aid Don’ts
Knowing what NOT to do when dealing with hearing aids can be just as important as knowing what TO do. Here are some tips on what to avoid when buying or researching hearing aids.
- DON’T be afraid to ask for help. This applies on two levels. One, if you notice you’re not hearing as you used to, don’t hesitate to get your hearing checked and get the help you need. Two, once you have a hearing aid don’t be afraid to ask your family and friends for assistance. Tell them what the matter is and what you need from them in a nice waychances are they’ll always be happy to help.
- DON’T say you understand when you don’t. Doctors tend to use a lot of medical jargon that doesn’t translate into our common English vocabulary. Mix the use of complicated language with the inability to fully hear and it’d be amazing if you understood anything the first time through. Asking questions are the only way to truly understand your situation. You shouldn’t feel guilty or try and save time by saying you understand, in the end you’re only hurting yourself.
- DON’T hesitate to ask the speaker to repeat. It can take a while to get adjusted to hearing loss. If you can’t hear someone when they’re speaking to you, ask them to repeat what they just said. This not only allows you another chance to hear the speaker, it shows the speaker you are interested in what they have to say.
- DON’T purchase hearing aids on the internet or without seeing a professional.
- DON’T withdraw from social situations because you are embarrassed or nervous about your hearing.
- DON’T store your hearing aid for an extended period of time with the battery in itit can corrode.
- DON’T use hairspray or hair dryers with hearing aids in
- DON’T get your hearing aid wet
- DON’T let small children play with your hearing aid or hearing aid batterynothing good can come from this.
- DON’T force the battery door closedif it doesn’t close easily, it probably needs to be reinserted properly.