Hearing aids are a popular tool for people with hearing loss. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that 7.1% of adults aged 45 and over used a hearing aid in 2019, and that number is likely only to grow.
If you’re a new hearing aid user, one of the essential things to know is how to control the volume on your device to get the best listening experience in any environment.
Hearing Aid Volume Can Adjust Automatically or Manually
Your hearing aid volume should be able to be adjusted both automatically and manually. Automatic adjustments respond to changes in your environment to help you pick up quiet noises or mask background sounds. So, your hearing aids will automatically switch to different settings when you’re enjoying a quiet cup of coffee at home in the morning as opposed to enjoying an evening out with friends at Kimball House.
During your fitting, your audiologist will work with you to make sure these automatic settings work best with your individual hearing needs.
How To Make Manual Adjustments
While automatic adjustments are a fantastic hearing aid feature, sometimes you need to make manual changes as well. Many hearing aids offer manual controls shaped like little levers or switches.
In general, they are very straightforward. You push the lever up to gradually turn the volume higher and push it down to gradually turn the volume lower. You will often hear a beep each time you adjust the volume in one direction or the other. If you reach the maximum or minimum volume possible, you’ll hear a steady tone letting you know you can’t go any further.
Getting Used to Your Hearing Aid
Hearing aids, in general, take some getting used to, especially in the first few days to weeks of having your device. At first, certain sounds may seem overwhelming or sound different than they used to, including your own voice. To get used to wearing hearing aids, keep in mind the following tips:
- 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 a Georgia Bulldogs game 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 refitted.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, call Advanced Hearing today.