Health Tip: Get Used to Your Hearing Aid

(HealthDay News) -- While hearing aids can significantly improve a person''s hearing, they initially may seem awkward. Here are some tips on how to get used to the devices and how to use them properly, courtesy of the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders:

• Make sure the audiologist shows you how to properly insert and use your hearing aid. While still at his or her office, practice turning it on and off, adjusting the volume, cleaning it, and replacing the batteries.
• It may take some time to get used to the amplified sound and volume of your own voice.
• You may initially hear what sounds like an excessive amount of background noise. In some cases this is unavoidable based on the sounds around you, and in other cases this could indicate a problem with the hearing aid. Check with your audiologist to be sure the device is functioning properly.
• If your hearing aid is making a whistling sound, this is called feedback and could be caused by a buildup of ear fluid or wax. Or the device may not fit properly. Talk with your audiologist if you''re experiencing this problem.

-- Diana Kohnle

Last Updated: Aug. 30, 2006