Signs You are Wearing an Ill-fitting Hearing Aid

If you are experiencing hearing loss, one of the best things you can do is to get a hearing aid. These devices sit in or around your ears and use a built-in microphone to make sounds louder. It can be invaluable to enable you to engage fully in conversations or enjoy films and music to the fullest.

There are so many different types of hearing aids available, with a huge range of different functions including smartphone connectivity and directional microphones. Some of them nestle around the outside of your ear, whereas others are almost invisible and sit camouflaged inside your ear.

Your hearing instrument specialist (HIS) will work with you to get you the most suitable device for your specific needs, preferences and budget. But whichever one you choose; it is going to become an important part of your life. You will rely on it for your work and social life, and it will make everyday tasks a great deal easier.

And that’s why it’s so important that it is comfortable and fits you well. If it doesn’t sit right or causes irritation, it can be extremely annoying and distracting.

Although your HIS will help you fit the device, wearing a hearing aid may not be something you’re familiar with. Therefore, it may take some time before you realize it is not fitted correctly. This could be because it is the wrong size for your ears, it has been inserted incorrectly or maybe you have an injury or infection that is preventing it from settling properly.

So how can you tell if you are wearing an ill-fitting hearing aid?

It Causes Pain

It is perfectly normal for most hearing aid wearers to experience some discomfort in the first few days of wearing their new devices. It takes some time for you to adapt to the new sensation. However, if you notice tenderness, red skin or irritation for longer than a week, this may indicate there is something wrong with the shape of the earmold.  You should contact your hearing instrument specialist who will be able to address this problem.

It Keeps Falling Off

If your hearing aid keeps slipping off your ears or coming out of its correct position, then it definitely needs to be adjusted. A properly fitted hearing aid should sit comfortably on or in your ear without changing position.

You Are Having Problems with the Volume

If you have had hearing loss for a long time before getting your hearing aids, the increased volume can take some getting used to. It might seem too loud at first but after a few days you will settle into it. Your device may even come with volume control which can allow you to find the most comfortable setting. But if you are still straining to hear conversations and feeling fatigued at the end of the day, you might need to take them back to be reprogrammed.

You Can Hear a Whistling Sound

If a hearing aid is fitted incorrectly, it can sometimes cause feedback. This means that your hearing aid is essentially hearing and reamplifying its own amplified sound in a loop, resulting in irritating and distracting noises like whistling or chirping.

How to Make Your Hearing Aid More Comfortable

The initial period of wearing a hearing aid is understandably going to feel a little strange, and it will take you a little time to get used to it. But if you continue to experience discomfort, here are some tips for improving the fit:

• Schedule follow-up appointments with your hearing instrument specialist so you can address any comfort issues and make sure you have the right fit.
• Build up your hearing aid usage gradually so you can get used to it more easily. Start by wearing it for a few hours each day and gradually increase your use over time.

During the initial period of wearing your hearing aids, it’s a good idea to limit your exposure to loud noises. This will help you gradually become accustomed to your new hearing sensations and figure out how to adjust the volume in a way that is comfortable for you. Avoid large crowds for a few days and keep any television music to a reasonable volume. As soon as you are more used to quieter scenarios, you can then work your way up to more demanding environments.

To learn more about the causes and symptoms of hearing loss, contact Beltone Hearing Center in Lethbridge at 403-942-4327.