Adapting to Life with Behind-the-Ear Hearing Aids: Tips and Tricks
Posted by DR Paul on Aug 04, 2023
Hearing aids can greatly improve the quality of life for those with hearing loss. And nowadays, with the rapid advancement in technology, there are a variety of hearing aids from which to choose. One type of hearing aid is the behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aid. This type of hearing aid is positioned behind the ear and connected to the ear canal by a thin tube or wire. While BTE hearing aids may take some getting used to, with some tips and tricks, adapting to life with them can be a breeze.
Start with Wearing Your Hearing Aids for Shorter Periods of Time -
It can be a challenge getting used to wearing hearing aids for the first time or new ones if you’ve changed your style or brand. A common mistake is to overuse them right away. Initially, limit your time wearing them gradually, from 15 minutes to an hour, two, so on. Slowly, work on building up your comfort and confidence up. As you get used to the amplification of your hearing aids, you can slowly increase the duration of use.
Optimize your Hearing Aid for the Right Fit -
Though it may take time to get the perfect fit and feel comfortable, don’t give up on finding the right one. A well-fit device will feel natural and allow you to conduct your daily tasks with ease. Your audiologist or specialist will help you get the correct fit for your ear canal and earlobe. If needed, there may be a few adjustments and settings to make. This type of hearing aids can also be customized to your needs and preferences by using covers, shapes, and colors
Stay Positive and Keep Practicing with your hearing aid -
It is important to remember that adapting to life with BTE hearing aids can take some time. Hearing sounds and dialogue you haven't heard before and the new feeling on your ears takes some time and effort. Don’t be disheartened if it doesn’t happen as quickly as expected. However, with positive thinking, practical action, and most importantly, patience, it will get better, and wearing your hearing aids will feel more natural with time.
Make the Most of Dual Microphone Technology –
Many BTE hearing aids have dual microphones, one in the earpiece and one picking up surrounding sounds. This feature lets you hear clearer by blocking out unnecessary background noise while focusing on what’s important. Take advantage of the auto-adjustment settings that detect tricky, noisy situations like a park, restaurant, hospital, or events.
Utilize Accessories -
Nowadays, BTE hearing aids can come with accessories like remotes or smartphone apps to control volume levels, settings, and streaming sound directly to your hearing aids. With this feature, you can access and adjust the configuration according to your surrounding environment. You can also control music and phone calls with your hearing aids.
Conclusion:
Adjusting to life with BTE hearing aids can be a learning process, but with the right tips, tricks, and accessories, you’ll be able to live your life to the fullest. By taking it slowly, making the most of your device's features, and learning from experience, wearing hearing aids will feel like second nature in no time. Remember, don't hesitate to involve your audiologist or specialist, as they can ensure a comfortable, customized hearing aid experience that fits your specific hearing needs.