How to Make Sure You are Hearing the Sounds of the Holidays

Check-Ups

The simplest (and often most effective) thing you can do is schedule an appointment with your hearing care professional. Modern hearing aids are very durable, but still require occasional maintenance. Namely, it is important to ensure everything is clean. This does not refer to the cleaning a patient can do on their own at home. (Although, if you do have dexterity or vision issues that make doing so difficult, always feel free to bring your hearing aids in for inspection.) Hearing care professionals do more of a deep cleaning. With daily activities, dust and other debris can sneak into the microphone ports. When this occurs, the hearing aids can sound muffled, as they are not picking up the sound fully. Worn out domes and dirty earmolds can also be replaced or cleaned. All of this ensures the acoustic pathway remains clear.

There can also be maintenance required on the technological side. A receiver may become worn out or a charger may malfunction, affecting the efficacy of the aids. Or, the hearing aids may need a firmware update. Since they are essentially tiny computers, the manufacturers sometimes come out with updates to improve functioning. All of these issues can easily be resolved with a quick 15-minute trip to the office. Also, remember that you can schedule any time of the year if you need repairs or adjustments.

Depending on how long it’s been since your prior one, a hearing evaluation may be recommended as well. The general rule of thumb is to have your hearing tested once a year. And thankfully, most health insurance plans will help pay the cost. It is important to keep tabs on your hearing, as it can gradually change over time. Hearing aids base their programming on the hearing thresholds, so if the most recent test is from five years ago, they may not be providing accurate amplification. When hearing does change, the software adjusts the programming accordingly.

Technology Upgrades

It may also be worth considering upgrading your hearing aids. Hearing aids, especially those from major manufacturers, are designed to be durable. But, as with any technology, they may not perform as well with age. After about seven years, hearing aids start to require more repairs. Additionally, technology becomes outdated. New models come out about every two years or so. And each new model provides a clearer signal and better noise filtering than the last. So even if your hearing aids are still functioning, consider new ones if your find yourself struggling.

Accessories can also be game changers. Hearing aids are wonderful, but do have their limits. Accessories fill in the gaps. For example, a TV streamer can send the TV signal straight to the user’s hearing aids. Thus, they can hear clearly without blasting out everyone else. Remote microphones can also provide great benefit. They pick up a person’s voice and stream it to the hearing aids. For example, if you are going on a tour, the guide can wear the microphone, ensuring no commentary is missed. It can also be placed on the table at social gatherings, picking up the voices of all loved ones. They are simple to use and can be easily set up in a few minutes.

Communication Strategies

Part of the counseling we provide patients revolves around how to maximize the efficiency of their devices. Practicing good communication strategies is essential for success. The main tenants are: ensure the talker is facing you, talking at a good volume and not at a distance. That last point is important, as 3 dB of volume is lost for every doubling of distance. If you have trouble distinguishing voices in a group, consider taking loved ones for one-on-one conversations so nothing is missed. When going out to dinner, ask for a table in the quietest part of the restaurant. Advocate for your needs!

Easing communication and maximizing quality of life is always the main goal. Don’t hesitate to reach out to your hearing care provider to ensure a joyful holiday season! QCBN

By Jeff Lane, Au.D.

Trinity Hearing Center is located at 1330 N. Rim Dr., Suite B in Flagstaff. For more information, visit the website at TrinityHearing.net. Jeff Lane is a doctor of audiology with a passion for improving the lives of others. Dr. Lane may be reached at 928-522-0500 or at audio@trinityhearing.net.