Ask an Expert: How to Maximise Your Hearing Aid's Performance
Q: What are some tips and tricks to get the most out of my hearing aids?
Care
Clean your hearing aids regularly and book annual check-ups to keep them performing at their best. Follow your clinician’s guidance and take time to get familiar with your hearing aids’ features, like mobile apps or assistive tools that help in different and more challenging environments. Explore the different programs and settings to discover what works best for your lifestyle.
Troubleshooting
It’s also helpful to learn basic troubleshooting so you can handle small issues on your own. Keep a record or journal with questions and concerns when troubleshooting hearing aids on your own that can be addressed by your clinician.
Wear
Most importantly, wear your hearing aids consistently. This helps your brain adapt and improves how you process sound over time. Be patient – adjusting takes time. If you're still facing challenges, your clinician can fine-tune settings or suggest solutions including communication strategies and listening exercises designed to help you succeed.
Q: What features in my hearing aids might I not be using properly?
Bluetooth
Bluetooth connectivity allows hearing aids to pair with phones for streaming audio or making hands-free calls. While incredibly useful, this setup can feel a bit overwhelming at first.
Directional microphones
The same goes for adjusting settings like directional microphones (to focus on specific sound sources) or fine-tuning high and low frequencies for better clarity.
Extra features
Some users forget to manually switch programs when moving between environments, which can affect sound quality. Others might not be aware of extra features available to them, such as tinnitus masking, health tracking, app updates, or even remote support from their clinician.
Personalise your hearing aids
With a little guidance and practice, these tools can make hearing aids even more helpful and personalised to your everyday needs, empowering you to hear and communicate confidently every day.
Q: Can I stream phone calls or music with my hearing aids?
A: Most modern premium hearing aids are Bluetooth hearing aids, letting them connect directly to your smartphone, laptop or tablet. Manufacturers usually provide a list of compatible devices, making it easier to stream calls, music, podcasts or videos straight to your hearing aids.
If your hearing aids don’t have built-in Bluetooth, you can often use a separate accessory to connect them to your device. There are also additional tools, such as assistive listening devices (such as FM systems or remote microphones), that can help in noisier situations, like meetings or group settings, by streaming the speaker’s voice directly to your hearing aids.
Some models also include telecoils, which let you connect to sound systems in loop-equipped spaces like theatres or places of worship for clearer, more direct sound.
Q: Are there apps that work with hearing aids to improve sound quality or control?
A: Yes, most modern hearing aids work with smartphone apps that are designed to help you easily adjust settings for clearer, more personalised sound. These apps usually offer easy controls for volume, program changes for different environments and microphone direction.
The more advanced the hearing aid technology, the more features the app will typically include. In addition to the manufacturer’s app, there are also other useful apps, including ones that provide closed captions, real-time translation or sound alerts to help improve communication and make everyday situations more comfortable and engaging.
