The last blog in our series of Top Tips for getting the most out of your hearing aids covers some of the common problems you might experience, and how you can solve them.

“My hearing aids aren’t working.”

• Check that the battery is fitted correctly

• Check whether you need a new battery

• Check that the hearing aid is clean and clear of wax deposits

“Everything sounds muffled.”

• Clean your hearing aid thoroughly using the equipment provided

• Check for build up of wax on any part of the hearing aid, especially where the sound comes out

• Your hearing levels may have changed since your last check-up

“The hearing aid keeps whistling.”

• It is quite common for your hearing aids to whistle if they are turned on, but not fitted into your ear. Whistling from a hearing aid during insertion or removal from the ear is quite normal if the hearing aid is switched on

• Check that your hearing aid is correctly inserted into your ear – it may be poorly fitted

• Clean your hearing aid thoroughly using the equipment provided

• “Feedback” is sometimes caused when the volume control is adjusted and your hand reflects the sound back into the instrument’s microphone. This should stop when you move your hand

If you have any other hearing aid problems, or want any more tips as to how to get the best out of your hearing aids, why not get in touch with us using the comments section.

Batteries are integral to making sure your hearing aids function correctly, and even they will need some care to make sure they last as long as possible.

• The length of time a battery lasts varies according to the type of hearing aid, how often it is used, the volume selected and the quality of battery fitted

• To preserve the life of your batteries, open the battery door when the hearing aid is not in use

• Be sure to always use the correct size battery. The colour of the battery pack relates to the size of the battery

• Never force the battery compartment door open or shut – this could damage the hearing aid. If the door will not close, check that the battery is placed correctly in the compartment

• Only remove the protective tab immediately prior to fitting a new battery

• Always keep spare batteries handy – modern batteries do not gradually fade but retain full power until they stop working. A warning beep will sound when they need replacing

• Keep batteries out of the reach of children and pets

Disposing of Batteries

All hearing aid zinc air batteries should be disposed of at your local disposal point and not accumulated. If you are unsure of the best way to dispose of your used hearing aid batteries, contact your local council who will be able to give you details of the battery disposal scheme in your area.

The following tips will help you to keep your hearing aids in top condition:

• Clean your hearing aids on a daily basis

• Handle your hearing aids with the utmost care

• Perform all cleaning and battery changes over a cloth to prevent accidental damage or loss of the battery

• Protect your hearing aids from creams, perfumes and hairspray

• Remove your hearing aids before showering, bathing or swimming

• Avoid exposing your hearing aids to excessive heat or cold

• Be careful when placing your hearing aids on hard surfaces

• Never use a sharp instrument to remove wax from your hearing aids

When Your Hearing Aid is Not in Use

Even if you are only removing your hearing aids for a short time, the following advice applies:

• Switch your hearing aids off when they are not in use

• Open the battery compartment door when you are not using your hearing aids; this prevents the battery from running down

• Store your hearing aids safely in the protective box provided

• Your hearing aids should be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight

• Keep your hearing aids out of the reach of small children and pets

• If you are not using your hearing aids for extended periods of time, remove the batteries completely

Different situations can present different challenges when it comes to hearing and using your hearing aids. In the third part of our series of Top Tips, we have put together some ways you can cope with a variety of different situations.

1. Hearing in a crowd

Parties, restaurants, sporting events and meetings are challenging environments even for those with good hearing. Here are a few basic principles to help make hearing easier in these situations:

• Choose your position wisely – away from unnecessary background noise, and close to where you will be able to properly see and hear those speaking

• Focus on one speaker at a time, so that theirs is the dominant voice you hear. This will make the background noise less noticeable

• Adjust the volume to a comfortable setting (louder is not always better)

• Don’t be afraid to ask people to repeat themselves – remember, even people with good hearing need to do this from time to time

2. Telephones

• The best technique for using the telephone or mobile phone varies according to the type of hearing aids you have

• Experimenting with the different options if the best way to find out what suits you. Your Hearing Aid Dispenser will also be able to offer help and advice

3. Using a Telecoil

• If you have a Telecoil and are happy using your hearing aids outdoors, try a visit to a cinema or theatre that has an induction loop facility

• To activate the Telecoil facility, select the correct programme (some hearing aids do this automatically). The Telecoil will then transmit sound directly to your hearing aids, helping to cut out background noise

When you first start wearing your hearing aids, you might find a gradual programme of wear is the best way to get used to the way you are hearing. The second blog in our series of Top Tips for hearing aid wearers provides a basis for just this.

Stage One – One-to-One Conversations

• Start with a quiet, familiar environment and select a low, comfortable volume setting as you adapt to the new sound quality. If your hearing aids do not have a volume control make sure they are in the ‘quiet room’ setting (usually Program 1).

• Listen carefully to the sounds in your own home. The tap running, plates clattering, clocks ticking – you will need to get used to hearing these everyday sounds that you may not have heard for quite a while.

• Practise having a conversation. Focus on the sound of your own voice as well as the other person’s – both may sound unfamiliar at first, but will soon become recognisable again.

• Practise a little every day and be patient. Take a break if you need to – a gradual period of adjustment is normal for everyone using new hearing aids

Stage Two – Group Conversations

• Start wearing your hearing aids when you are in small groups.

• Practise by focusing on specific sounds or voices. Following gestures and facial expressions is also helpful.

• When you first use your hearing aids in a group, sit close to those speaking.

Stage Three – Outdoors

• Gradually increase the time you spend using your hearing aids, wearing them outside, in the car and while shopping – your brain will learn to tune out the background noises that you may initially be irritating.

• Listening to the television is more demanding than normal speech. However, practising watching television will make all listening situations easier for you to handle.

Getting used to your new hearing aids can be quite a confusing time. Over the next few blog posts, we will be giving you some top tips to help you make the most of your new hearing aids, including how to handle different situations, taking proper care of your hearing aids, and solving common hearing aid problems.

To kick us off, here are a few handy hints for getting the best out of your hearing aids:

1. Remember – hearing with hearing aids is a skill that develops through practise, patience and a positive attitude.

2. Do not be afraid to inform others that you wear hearing aids. Do not hesitate to ask others for help – their support and encouragement is just as important to you as your desire to improve your hearing. Ask them to speak normally, naturally and clearly rather than loudly. Make sure you can see their faces clearly.

3. It is important to have realistic expectations of what your hearing aids can do.

While they cannot restore perfect hearing, they can help you make the very best of the hearing you have.

4. Remember that hearing is only one part of your total communication process.

Following lip movements, facial expressions and body language can greatly assist your understanding, just as it does for anyone with good hearing.

If your hearing has changed over time and you find that you are now in need of some assistance, you might want to consider getting some hearing aids. But what is it that hearing aids actually do?

Put very simply, hearing aids will amplify the sounds and frequencies that you have difficulty hearing. To make the most of the hearing you have, the hearing aids will be programmed based on the results of your hearing test.

Advances in technology in recent years means that when it comes to hearing aids, there are plenty of different models and options available. The more advanced models will constantly analyse the sounds around them and change between programmes, automatically using a setting that is appropriate for the current situation.

For example, if you are somewhere noisy like a restaurant, the programme will automatically switch to the most suitable mode, giving you the best performance possible in that situation. There are also programmes for everyday activities, such as watching television and using the telephone.

Hearing in stereo – why two hearing aids are better than one

Just as a pair of glasses has two lenses, one lens for each eye; if you need help with your hearing then you will most likely need a hearing aid for each ear. This is called a binaural fitting.

People with two hearing aids tend to find it much easier to follow conversations in background noise. They also find it easier to determine where a sound is coming from, such as which direction a car is approaching from.

While hearing aids will not restore your hearing completely, they will drastically improve your quality of life, and help you get the most out of your hearing.

If you have recently experienced changes in your hearing, you can put your mind at rest by visiting a qualified hearing professional to find out if you may have damaged your hearing, and what you can do to improve it.

Getting help with your hearing

You should look after your hearing in the same way that you look after your eyes and teeth. The Hearing Company recommends an annual hearing health check for anyone over 50 and every two years for the under 50s.

A free hearing health check, carried out by one of our qualified Hearing Aid Dispensers, is the best way of finding out why the changes in your hearing may have occurred, and the steps you can take to address these changes.

There are two different types of hearing assessment available from The Hearing Company:

Hearing Screening

This is a quick and simple check that takes just 15-20 minutes to complete. Using a simple testing device called a hearing screener, it shows how well someone is hearing across four sound frequencies (from low to high pitched). The results of this simple test will indicate whether the more thorough ‘Full Hearing Health Check’ is required.

Full Hearing Health Check

This is a more comprehensive assessment carried out by our qualified Hearing Aid

Dispensers, who are registered with the Health Professions Council (HPC). The Hearing Company recommends that a friend or family member also attends the Full Hearing Health Check with you, as a familiar voice is a useful reference during the testing procedure.

You can book your hearing check with us online, just visit our website.

Just like your eyesight, your hearing is a vital sense that affects every aspect of your life. If you find yourself struggling to see, you can correct your vision with glasses or contact lenses. So, if you find yourself struggling to hear, you can correct your hearing with the right set of hearing aids.

Your ability to hear can change for a number of reasons. It may be down to something as simple as excessive earwax or an infection, both of which are treatable.

A long-term change in your hearing could be due a number of factors that may be wearing your hearing down, including:

• Age-related hearing loss. This is the most common form of hearing loss and affects as many as 50 per cent of people over 60.
• Noise exposure. Prolonged and repeated exposure to noise can damage your hearing. This may be caused by working in a noisy environment, or taking part in certain noisy activities such as DIY, attending concerts and listening to personal music players.

Comparison of undamaged and damaged hair cells

Within the inner ear is the organ called the cochlea, inside which are a number of tiny hair cells that receive the sound signals entering the ear and pass them on to the brain.

Each of these hair cells are ‘tuned’ to a particular frequency, and over time some of these will literally wear out, which is why certain sounds become muffled and difficult to hear.

If you find that you have experienced changes in your hearing, then the first step is to consult a professional, who will be able to check your hearing levels and advise you whether you need any further assistance. To make an appointment, visit our website.

We will be posting info on hearing care, hearing aids and all things related, including news, views and expert advice.

Check back regularly for updates, in the meantime check out our website for more information.