- Getting hearing aids is one thing, but living with them is a whole other journey. It’s normal to have questions about when to charge them, how often to clean them, and when to take them out.
- There isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer, as daily life with hearing aids looks different for everyone, depending on lifestyle and hearing needs.
- It can take a few weeks to months to fully adjust to new hearing aids, and wearing them as much as possible while you’re awake is the fastest way to help your brain relearn how to process sounds.
- Certain situations, like showering, swimming, or being around loud noise, call for removing your hearing aids for safety.
- Keeping up a regular cleaning and charging routine will help your devices perform well for longer.
Adjusting to your new hearing aids
It can take a few weeks to months before you fully adjust to your new hearing aids. But don’t worry, this is very normal.
Hearing loss is an extremely slow and gradual process. It happens over a number of years, so you may have subconsciously adjusted to poorer hearing.
The fastest way to adjust to wearing hearing aids is to use them as much as possible while you’re awake, as this helps your brain relearn how to process sounds it previously missed. Regular use also helps to keep your brain active, which can benefit your wellbeing now and in the future.
If you feel overwhelmed by the increase in volume or clarity, start by wearing your hearing aids in quieter environments, such as at home, and gradually increase the time you wear them each day.
Putting your hearing aids in every day
Some people find that putting their hearing aids in takes a little bit of practice. It’s worth sitting somewhere quiet when you first get them and practising putting them in and taking them out.
To identify which hearing aid goes in which ear, the industry standard is to use a blue marker for the left ear and a red marker for the right. These identifiers are typically located on the underside of each device’s body.
Once you have practised enough, insertion of your hearing aids will become muscle memory that will stay with you for life.
Taking breaks from hearing aids
Even though it’s recommended to wear hearing aids throughout the day, if you want to take a break, it’s perfectly fine to do so! We recommend allowing 30 minutes to an hour to rest and recover. However, if you’re removing your hearing aids because they’re uncomfortable, please get in touch with your hearing healthcare provider, who will be able to adjust the devices for you.
If you remove your hearing aids, remember to store them in their protective case. If you don’t have one with you, a glasses case or a Tupperware container will do until you get home. Just remember to avoid putting your hearing aids in your pockets, as this is the easiest way to damage or lose them.
When should you not wear your hearing aids?
There are certain situations when it’s best to remove your hearing aids. For the most part, this comes down to avoiding moisture, intensive movement (to avoid losing them), and extremely loud environments.
When to avoid wearing hearing aids:
- In the shower or bath
- Swimming or in the water
- While getting your haircut
- When applying perfume, hair products, skincare, or sunscreen
- When gardening or doing activities with lots of movement
- Around loud noises, like mowing the lawn or fireworks – in this instance, swap your hearing aids for hearing protection, such as ear muffs
Using hearing aids with rechargeable batteries
Most modern hearing aids come with rechargeable batteries, which are generally more convenient and environmentally friendly than disposable batteries. Rechargeable hearing aids typically last up to 24 hours on a single charge.
If you subscribe to Resonate Unlimited, you’ll receive a pair of ReSound Vivia™ 9 hearing aids, plus a charging case that features an internal battery, allowing you to fully charge your hearing aids in just 3 hours, ensuring they’re ready when you need them.
Most people find it easiest to charge them overnight, as you would your phone. Find an area of your home that’s clean, dry and near a power source. If there’s nowhere that comes to mind, it’s worth creating a suitable space to ensure your hearing aids are always protected.
Hearing aid maintenance & care
Some people clean their hearing aids once a day, while others prefer to do so once a week. Either is fine; what’s most important is that you keep it up regularly! Use a tissue or the small brush provided to gently remove wax from the dome or mould. Many people find this easier in the morning because the wax has dried overnight.
Hearing aids also have earwax and microphone filters that need to be replaced once a month. This is a simple task that you can do at home. If your hearing aids aren’t working as well as they used to, it’s worth changing the wax filter and cleaning your devices.
If you’re having trouble cleaning your hearing aids, please give us a call, and we’ll arrange for you to come into the studio for a follow-up appointment.
Looking for hearing aid support in New Zealand
We understand that adjusting to life with hearing aids can take some time. That’s why our hearing aid subscription service includes unlimited aftercare and follow-up appointments to ensure your hearing aids are comfortable and that you know how to use them.
If you need support, please reach out to your local Resonate studio by calling 0800 737 662, emailing hello@resonatehealth.co.nz or booking online.
Resonate. The Podcast
Hi, I’m Kanav, an Audiologist with three years of experience helping people improve their hearing and quality of life.
