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Don’t Be Average

Hearing loss sneaks up on people gradually, so it is sometimes difficult to detect oneself. Often, friends and family are the first to notice. The average person waits 7-10 years before treating their hearing loss. Part of this is due to stigma, but part is not knowing the steps to take to find out more about hearing loss and to construct a plan for treatment. Here are our tips for taking the first few steps along your hearing loss journey.

Take a Hearing Test

For an initial assessment, you should see an audiologist, or your primary care physician if you need a referral. At your first visit to Purchase Ear Technology, we will examine you physically and perform a series of hearing tests to determine the type and degree of your loss.  If hearing loss is confirmed, you move onto the treatment phase of your care.

Try a Hearing Aid (or Two)

This is important because the first hearing aid you try might not be the right one for you. Fitting a hearing aid takes time and work, from both the audiologist and the hearing aid wearer. Don’t be surprised if you feel that you are hearing worse with the hearing aids during the early days of the trial than you do without them. This is normal and makes sense since it takes time for your brain to acclimate to and organize the new sounds.

After a week or two, go back and have the settings on your hearing aid fine tuned. Keep a written record of what is and is not working to help guide the adjustments. This process is typically iterative, and (depending on the complexity of your hearing loss) may require multiple visits until the settings are just right.

If things do not improve during the course of the trial, your audiologist may recommend trying a different type of hearing aid instead. Think of it like finding love — you may need to kiss a couple of frogs before you find your hearing aid prince.

Have Realistic Expectations

Everyone wants hearing aids to work like glasses — you put them on and your hearing is magically restored to normal. Unfortunately, this is not the case. Having reasonable expectations will help you stay positive as you work through the kinks.

Be Open About Your Hearing Loss

This one may take time. Being open will help you accept your hearing loss. It will allow you to ask for the help you need to improve communication with the people that you love. Without all the pressure to hear everything perfectly, you may begin to enjoy social gatherings again and even learn to laugh when a misunderstanding occurs. Every time you tell someone about your hearing issues, it gets easier. Keep doing it until it is second nature.

Ready to do something about your hearing loss?  Give Purchase Ear Technology a call at (270) 558-3996 to schedule an appointment or stop by our office at 2008 Broadway, Paducah, KY.

A female scream. Squealing brakes. A baby crying. An electric drill. Nails on a blackboard. They all make the list. The top 10 list. The top 10 list of the most unpleasant sounds according to a study published in the Journal of Neuroscience.

Instead of torturing you with the entire list, we have limited it by choosing our personal top five. You’re welcome! Just reading through the list made me cringe. I wanted to cover my ears. Turns out I’m not alone.

New research explains why we have negative emotional reactions to sounds we perceive as noise. The study found that noise really can be more than an annoyance. Noise isn’t just bad for your ears, it’s bad for your health.

“Noise is thought to cause physical and psychological stress to the body,” according to Elizabeth Masterson, Ph.D., an epidemiologist at the CDC’s National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). “When you have chronic stress, it produces a chronic stress response, which can contribute to high blood pressure and cholesterol.”

Exposure to noise can elevate blood pressure, cause headaches, irritability and fatigue. Annoying sounds that leave us feeling irritable or agitated can increase our blood pressure and even change the rhythm of our heart beat, adversely affecting our overall health and well-being.

It’s not just the loudness of sound

It won’t come as much of a surprise that previous studies found that loud sounds are more bothersome than quiet ones. But new research takes that a step further, showing that in addition to loudness, the type of sound is also a factor. Listeners in the study rated high-frequency sounds (between 2,000 to 5,000 Hz) as the most unpleasant. Researchers believe that the amygdala — the part of our brain that regulates emotions — takes over the auditory part of our brains when we hear noise.

This finding helps explain why we have negative reactions to unpleasant sounds we perceive as noise. Scientists hope that more research on the interaction between the amygdala and the auditory cortex will lead to a better understanding of tinnitus and hyperacusis — disorders associated with sensitivity to sounds and that often accompany hearing loss.

One person’s trash is another person’s treasure

When it comes to noise, the old adage “one person’s trash is another person’s treasure” certainly applies. We can all agree that noise is unwanted, even unpleasant. What we can’t agree on is which sounds are noise. Sounds that are music to one listeners ears may sound like nails on a chalkboard to another.

Which sounds listeners classify as noise vary greatly. This probably explains the disconnect between the musical tastes of a teenager and that of parents.

Our brains differentiate between the sounds we want to hear and the noise we don’t. Which sounds are which are based on our personal listening preferences. While some of us love to listen to soothing white noise or a fan to fall asleep, others find the same sounds irritating.

How noises affect our bodies

Sounds that our brains perceive as noise increase irritability and anxiety. Increased levels of agitation increase the stress hormone cortisol in our bodies. Cortisol increases blood pressure and blood sugar while decreasing our body’s ability to fight disease. Increased stress increases cardiovascular risks. Loud sounds can even cause our hearts to beat irregularly. The medical term for this is atrial fibrillation. It is a scientific fact that loud sounds affect not only our moods, they can also impair our immune system.

So what can you do?

There is no escaping noise. It’s everywhere in our daily lives, often, even at work. One study found that employees working in noisy environments performed poorer on memory tests and reported increased levels of fatigue than colleagues working in low-noise environments.

The dip in performance is likely due to the extra workload for our brains. If you are working in a loud environment, your brain has to work harder to filter out loud noise so you can concentrate and attend to important tasks, which leaves less energy for other brain functions.

Hearing loss makes this task even more challenging. Damage to the auditory nerve impairs our brain’s ability to separate speech from noise, which is why understanding speech in background noise is difficult for someone with hearing loss. Today’s hearing aids use complex algorithms to boost speech signals in noise, making understanding speech easier for someone wearing hearing aids.

You can’t avoid noise, but you can minimize its effects

While you can’t avoid noise entirely, you can start noticing how the sounds around you make you feel. If you find that certain sounds in your everyday life are bothersome, try making simple changes. At work turn your chair around so you aren’t facing your coworker that grinds her coffee beans at her desk before brewing her 59th cup of the day. Or invest in a white noise machine if your neighbor’s dog barks and keeps you up at night.

Or, wear ear plugs. Custom earplugs — the type made for your ear by a hearing professional — fit more snugly in your ear to provide protection for your ears and your overall health and wellness. It is also important to correct your hearing loss by wearing hearing aids. Hearing aids adjust automatically to your listening environment (in nano seconds) using complex algorithms to increase listening ease even in the most challenging environments.

Simply noticing how the sounds around you make you feel allows you to make changes accordingly. Simple changes can go a long way toward improving your mood and your overall health.

To find out more about protecting or improving your hearing, contact us at Purchase Ear Technology in Paducah by calling (270) 558-3996 or stop by our office located at 2008 Broadway, Paducah, KY  42001.

Did you know that on average, individuals with hearing loss wait 7 years to seek help for their hearing? With precious moments lost, we at Purchase Ear Technology in Paducah are energized each New Year as customers make their hearing health a priority. We’re excited to help you start your journey and be there every step of the way!

We know accepting hearing loss can be difficult.  This is one of many reasons why we’re so passionate about educating each individual about hearing health. We’re hearing from our customers and providers that they are making it their resolution to HEAR better in 2019.   You should make the same resolution!

Remember, today’s hearing aids are not what your grandfather or even your mother wore. The leading-edge digital technology helps to reduce background noise and focus on exactly what you want to hear. These advanced little pieces of technology are designed to be inconspicuous and many are nearly invisible.

Are you ready to start your journey to better hearing?  Purchase Ear Technology in Paducah is here to help.  Give us a call today to schedule an appointment at (270) 558-3996 or visit our office located at 2008 Broadway, Paducah, KY  42001.

The holiday season can be a stressful time of year for the hearing impaired. From travel to dinner conversations, those with hearing loss can have a difficult time interacting with their family and friends.

Take traveling for example. Between communicating with flight attendants to taxi cab drivers, the communication and overall experience can become exhausting for those who cannot clearly process what is being said. With hearing loss being the third most common health problem in the United States, those suffering from this disease may choose to stay at home and not travel to certain destinations, losing valuable times with family and friends.

The downside and long term effects of these health problems can be tremendous for those not willing to get help. One’s mental health can take a toll with side effects such as anxiety and depression which can arise from not being able to have accurate communication due to hearing impairment. So how can we help those in need? There are several short term and long term precautions one can take to be mindful to those with hearing loss during this holiday season:

• If you already have hearing aids, bring them in for cleaning and maintenance to make sure they are performing optimally.
• Before getting together with loved ones, make sure your hearing aid batteries are fresh.
• Lower the volume on the holiday music. Although many enjoy these festive songs, it may hinder the ability for those with hearing loss to pick up on conversations. Same goes with the TV, keep the TV off or at a minimum volume in order to eliminate background noise.
• Find a quieter location in the home to catch up with a loved one. If music is playing, step to a room where you can have an easier time engaging on a one-on-one conversation with eye contact.
• Keep the room well lit. Provide good lighting so those with hearing loss are able to see the facial expressions of people and can read lips, picking up on visual cues.
• Use plastic dishware opposed to china. China and silverware is typically louder when it touches the plate. Instead, plastic utensils may lighten the noise level.
• Find the best seat at the dinner table. If you have a “better side” when it comes to hearing, put that ear facing the crowd or assist one who suffers from hearing loss in choosing a seat.
• Help your loved one book an appointment to see a Hearing Instrument Specialist at Purchase Ear Technology.
• While the majority of these precautions are short term alternatives, it is important to get your hearing tested as soon as possible if you are experiencing hearing loss. Just like you get your eyes checked for blurred vision, hearing exams should be done on a regular basis as well to detect your level of hearing loss.

Here are some tips for people with hearing loss to better enjoy holiday gatherings.

For many people with hearing loss, the holidays can be especially challenging. While large family gatherings offer a great chance to catch up with friends and family, holiday parties can lead to challenging listening situations for people with hearing loss.

HOLIDAYS AND HEARING LOSS: THE TIPS

Find a quiet corner – Stand away from loud speakers and noisy kitchens and position yourself in the quietest area of the room. This way you can hear conversation rather than noise.

Pick your seat – If you’re having a sit-down dinner, pick a seat at the center of the table nearest to a close friend or relative. This way you have a better chance of hearing conversation and enjoying your meal.

Pick your drink – A glass of wine can make you more relaxed– or it can confuse you and make your level of understanding worse. Be aware of what you are drinking and your own level of tolerance.

Buddy up – Find a friend or relative with whom you can hang out at the party. This person can help you to feel more included in conversation and can repeat things you may not understand.

HOLIDAYS AND HEARING AIDS

If you have hearing aids, it’s important that you wear them to holiday events. You may think that with so much noise at a party or family dinner, hearing aids would just make things louder, but modern digital hearing aids aren’t simple sound amplifiers. They are designed to filter out all the unwanted noise – like the clanging of dishes in the kitchen or the background music – and help you focus on speech.

HAVE THE “HEARING LOSS” CONVERSATION

Holiday gatherings are a good time to have “the conversation” with friends and loved ones. We’re talking about the conversation about hearing loss and getting hearing aids. If you think your loved one is unable to hear correctly, take out your phone or tablet and encourage them to take an online hearing test. This is a great first step to help someone realize they have a hearing loss.

HELP GUESTS WITH HEARING LOSS

You might not have hearing loss – but one of your guests might. Here are some tips on helping your guests with hearing loss enjoy your party”

Background music – Everyone loves a good Christmas carol, but when those carols are in the background of the conversations of 20+ people, no one can hear them anyways. Consider turning down the background music – or turning it off completely when several guests are socializing at once. People tend to speak louder to be heard over the music, so your music may in fact make the party louder.

Dish Duty – Hold off on cleaning the dishes until after your guests have left. For people with hearing loss, the clatter of kitchen dishes can distract from dinner time conversation. Take time to enjoy your guests rather than worrying about the clean-up!

Seating – If you know that one of your guests has a hearing loss, seat that person at the center of the table closest to those with the quietest voices. It may also help if you sit next to that person, so you can help him or her to better understand the conversation.

Searching for hearing aids Paducah, KY?  At Purchase Ear Technology in Paducah, your hearing and your quality of life is our priority. That means your happiness is as important to us as the health of your ears!

Tim Harmon and his staff at Purchase Ear Technology understand the life-altering impact that hearing loss can have. We strive to offer you the most advanced and effective hearing care available today, including hearing aids, assistive listening devices, hearing loss rehabilitation and tinnitus therapy. Our goal is to help you restore your hearing clarity and eliminate the sense of isolation that hearing loss can cause.

Our expert audiologist, Tim Harmon, has helped over 1,000 patients like you over the years with their hearing loss and hearing-related conditions. Patients of Purchase Ear Technology enjoy our state-of-the-art treatment technology, extensive experience, and compassionate approach in providing top-notch hearing rehabilitation.

In addition to our advanced technology and expertise in providing 5-star treatment, you can also count on the numerous extra steps we take to give you an exceptional experience. Our office prides itself on our friendly team members who let you know that you are more than just a customer, you are family.

When you are ready to learn more about Purchase Ear Technology in Paducah, give us a call at 270.558.3996 to speak with one of our friendly team members or to schedule an appointment. During your new patient appointment, our knowledgeable team will make sure all your questions are thoroughly answered about our office, our hearing rehabilitation treatments and anything else that you would like to know about us!

Give us a call today or stop by our office located at 2008 Broadway, Paducah, KY to find out how we can help improve your hearing.  Come experience Purchase Ear Technology in Paducah and find out for yourself why we consistently receive 5-star reviews from our patients.  We look forward to having you join our family!

Did you know that hearing actually occurs in the brain? As sound waves pass from our outer ear to our middle ear to our inner ear, tiny hair cells turn them into electric signals that are received and processed by the auditory cortex in our brains. Neural pathways that transmit these electric signals become inactive with untreated hearing loss. As a result, with untreated hearing loss, our brains attempt to fill in the gaps which may cause a larger cognitive load that is taxing on brain functions.

According to studies conducted at the University of Texas at El Paso, hearing aids improve brain function. Conducted by Dr. Jamie Desjardins, assistant professor in the speech-language pathology program at U of T, the use of hearing aids drastically increased cognitive function for people who experience hearing loss. This supports other studies conducted at Johns Hopkins, which have found potential links between untreated hearing loss and a risk for dementia.

The Brain and Untreated Hearing Loss

With untreated hearing loss, the brain struggles to make sense of unclear sound signals. As the brain struggles to fill in the gaps of muffled sounds and distorted speech, it may grow tired. “Think about somebody who has hearing loss and is still working and they’re not wearing hearing aids,” says Dr. Desjardins. “They are spending so much of their brainpower just trying to focus on listening. They may not be able to perform their job as well. Or if they can, they’re exhausted because they are working so much harder. They are more tired at the end of the day, because it’s a lot more taxing. It affects their quality of life.”

In recent years, researchers have found potential links between untreated hearing loss and dementia. At Johns Hopkins, a study revealed that of 639 test subjects, those with untreated hearing loss were more likely to develop dementia over the course of 12-18 years. The auditory system, which takes in and makes sense of sound waves from our environments, works in conjunction with different areas of our brain. Our brains are stay in shape by registering sounds as reflexes, recognition, and emotional responses. With untreated hearing loss, these channels may begin to dull and certain areas of the brain are not as active as before.

Untreated hearing loss can take toll on one’s physical and emotional well-being, not to mention the risk it potentially contributes to developing dementia. According to Frank Lin from Johns Hopkins, hearing loss affects the brain in three major ways: cognitive load (which taxes brain functions when it struggles to hear), change in brain structure and function, and reduced social engagement.

If left untreated, hearing loss could increase one’s risk for developing dementia. In part, individuals who experience hearing loss have difficulties with verbal communication, especially in louder social settings. As such, with untreated hearing loss, people may be less likely to participate in social gatherings and activities. This corroborates research on dementia: people who are more social are less likely to develop dementia, due to consistent engagement with the world around them. This stimulation keeps our brains active.

How Hearing Aids Improve Brain Function

For her study, Dr. Desjardins selected a group of people in their 50s and 60s with bilateral sensorineural hearing loss and who had not previously used hearing aids. It is important to note that Dr. Desjardins focused on sensorineural hearing loss, as this type occurs due to a breakdown in the process in which inner ear hair cells translate sound waves into neural signals to be sent to the brain.

Participants of the study took a series of cognitive tests, which measured their memory, selective attention, and processing speed abilities – both prior to and after the use of hearing aids. After two weeks of hearing aid use, participants showed an increase in scores for recalling words, with improved processing speeds. By the end of the study, participants had drastically improved on their cognitive function from the beginning of the study.

Hearing aids amplify sounds and provide us with clearer sound signals in our daily lives. From speech recognition to recognizing directionality of sounds in our environment, hearing aids treat hearing loss and ensure that we – and our brains – stay engaged and aware of our surroundings. Furthermore, hearing aids ensure that we do not lose touch with our loved ones or abandon our favorite past times and activities, which keep our brains active.

Treating Hearing Loss with Hearing Aids

If you’ve experienced changes in your hearing, there is no reason to live with untreated hearing loss. In fact, there are so many benefits to seeking treatment! Treating hearing loss with hearing aids is a clear solution to improving not just cognitive function, but overall quality of life.

If you live in Western Kentucky, Southern Illinois, or Southeastern Missouri, Purchase Ear Technology would like to help treat your hearing loss.  You can contact us by phone at (270) 558-3996 or stop by our office located at 2008 Broadway, Paducah, KY to see how we can help.

Dealing with hearing loss at work can be challenging, but not addressing it can be even more detrimental to your career.

Colleagues with hearing loss often have a reputation for not being very attentive or for not listening to instructions. This can seriously damage promotional chances and work relations, as it is important to have a good opinion of those we work with. It is one thing to have colleagues complain that you don’t listen and even have them tell you that you need a hearing test, but it is a different thing entirely to discover that in fact you do have a hearing problem.

If you’ve taken the step to get hearing aids, congratulations! Now comes the challenge of getting use to them, informing your colleagues and making them a normal part of your life. Adjusting to new hearing aids at work may seem intimidating, but here are five tips that will make it easier.

5 Tips for Adjusting to New Hearing Aids at Work

Be Honest

Misunderstandings about your hearing loss can over be overcome through perseverance and education. To make it easier, it’s important to be totally honest from the start, both with yourself and with others. Trying to run away from hearing loss or avoid it helps nobody and will make things worse in the short term.

Tell your colleagues and your boss about your hearing loss diagnosis, whether in a formal meeting setting or individually. It is better to tell people that you’re close to all at once, so they are informed by you and not from others. Consider showing them your hearing aids and the technology that you’re using, and tell them how it works. Remember to tell them that they don’t need to yell or speak differently to you, as the hearing aids will do that work for them, amplifying their voices when needed.

If people are intimidated by your needs, it’s important to not be confrontational, as this tends to only make others defensive. Understanding and patience is the only thing that will help at a time like this.

Explain your Needs

Explain as early as possible to those in authority not only about your hearing loss diagnosis, but also about the ways it will change your interactions. Be careful to explain that given a little time and effort, it will make not only your life better, but will also greatly enhance your working relationships with those around you.

Do make certain you explain that there will be an adjustment period and what they can expect during this time.

The same goes for friends, colleagues and workmates. They may be feeling a mixture of confusion and fear that you will not be the same person, so take time to explain, attempt to find humour in the situation, if this is in your nature. Reassure them that once you adjust to your new aids, that they will make communication easier and misunderstandings happen a lot less.

Use your Technology

Those newly diagnosed with hearing loss often go through the stages of grief, as they come to terms with the changes in their life.

The effort of learning to use hearing aids and giving your brain time to adjust to it is no easy task, and in the early days there is a very real tendency of wanting to put the thing away and just go back to how life used to be.

Don’t do this! Audiologists will tell you that it takes around three weeks for the brain to adjust to the new amplified audio signals being sent into the ears and, until this adjustment period is over, it can be a very confusing and annoying experience. But it will get better, and soon you’ll notice all the sounds you were previously missing.

The changes experienced at this time are not only felt by the new hearing aid wearer, but also by those they come in contact with, particularly their family, social group and work colleagues. Be patient and continue using your technology. Soon, no one will notice the difference.

Know your Technology

You’re your own best advocate. Knowing your needs in the workplace also comes from knowing about your technology. Make sure you know how your hearing aids work, so that you can explain to others if necessary. You never know, maybe another colleague needs hearing aids and they would like to know how they work.

Ask for Help when Needed

If you’re having trouble adjusting to your hearing aids at work and need help, remember you can always go back to your audiologist for help or advice.

Remember, wearing hearing aids is a good thing and it can really make a huge positive impact on your life, but nothing good ever comes without a little hard work.

Be gentle with yourself and do try to relax. Allow yourself to make mistakes, as you slowly feel your way back into hearing again. Within a short time your hearing aids should begin to really make a difference.

Need help in finding the right hearing aid?  Give us a call at Purchase Ear Technology in Paducah, KY at (270) 558-3996 or visit us at 2008 Broadway, Paducah, KY  42001.

Because at least a portion of our hearing aids sit inside of our ears, an accumulation of sweat and earwax is inevitable. Sometimes, this buildup is visible when we look at our hearing aids and when this happens, it can be very tempting to try to remove the debris on our own. While daily maintenance and light home cleanings of hearing aids is recommended, it’s extremely important that you leave the deep cleaning to the professionals. Hearing aids involve a lot of technology in a tiny package, and are therefore easily damaged when improperly cleaned or handled.

Why Do Hearing Aids Need Cleanings?

Hearing aids are similar to other pieces of technology, in that they operate most properly when they are well maintained. Especially in the summer months where everything is hotter, it doesn’t take long for sweat, earwax and our body’s natural oils to build-up in the receivers or microphones of our hearing aids. This accumulation is not only dirty, it also has the potential to carry bacteria. Dirt and build-up can also muffle your hearing aids’ sound quality.

How Often Should My Hearing Aid be Professionally Cleaned?

Exactly how often a deep cleaning by a professional is recommended will vary slightly depending on your hearing aid style, as well as how quickly your earwax or sweat builds-up. For some people, professional cleanings should be maintained every three months, while others can safely go about six months between cleanings. It is important to regularly touch base with your hearing healthcare professional to ensure you are scheduling maintenance, fittings, and cleaning appointments at regular intervals that are appropriate for you.

What Happens at a Professional Hearing Aid Cleaning?

During a professional hearing aid cleaning, your specialist will use specialized tools to gently remove any accumulation of earwax, sweat, dust or debris from your hearing aids. The professional will ensure that all of the debris is removed safely and completely, without damaging any of the delicate interworking of your hearing aid. Your professional cleaning should include cleaning of the receivers, microphones, and any tubing your hearing aid may or may not have, as well as gentle cleaning of the outer housing. Most of the time, hearing aid cleaning appointments are rather quick, and do not often involve the need to leave your hearing aids overnight.

What Can I Do at Home?

While deep and throughout hearing aid cleanings should be done by a professional, there are still daily maintenance and care procedures you can and should safely take at home in order to better care for your hearing aids. Follow these in order to keep your aids as clean as possible between professional appointments.

Wipe with a soft, dry cloth. When wiping the outer casing of your hearing aids, do NOT use a wet cloth or wipes with any type of alcohol or chemicals in them. These can damage your hearing aids. A dry cloth will suffice for wiping dirt and grime from the outside of your hearing aid if done nightly.

Remove ear molds to clean. If your hearing aid is a RIC or BTE model with removable ear molds, these should be taken-off prior to cleaning. Once removed, it is safe to wash the molds with a mild, gentle soap and warm water. Make sure the molds are completely dry before reattaching them.

Get the right tools. Cleaning kits made specifically for hearing aids are very valuable tools for cleaning your aids. These kits typically come with a wax pick and a tiny brush that are gentle enough to use on your aids. When you see earwax or other dirt in your hearing aids, never try to use a pen or other “tool” to remove it – as it is very easy to cause accidental damage. These hearing aid cleaning kits are the only tools that should be used to clean your aids at home.

Adopt healthy habits. One of the best ways to keep your hearing aids clean and in tip-top shape is to adopt healthy and preventative habits. Remove your hearing aids for your hygiene routine both in the morning and at night. When showering, keep your aids outside of the bathroom to avoid contamination with water or other chemicals.

If you have any additional questions regarding the care of your hearing aids or would like to schedule a cleaning contact us at Purchase Ear Technology by calling (270) 558-3996 or visit our office at 2008 Broadway, Paducah, KY  42001.

Hearing aids can have an unbelievable impact on your day-to-day life, but to get the most out of them, you need to ensure that you take good care of them. Hearing aids are durable, but they’re not immune to damage. If you’ve recently started wearing hearing aids and want to keep them in optimal condition for as long as possible, here are some tips to help you look after your hearing aids.

Storing your hearing aids safely

You don’t wear hearing aids 24-hours-a-day, so it’s essential to find a safe place to store them when they’re not in use. Hearing aids work better when they are dry, so avoid leaving them anywhere where they may be exposed to moisture, and keep them in the same places so you don’t lose them. If you’re out and about, carrying them in a secure box in your bag is a great idea, while keeping them in a box in a drawer at home will prevent your hearing aids from getting lost or broken. When you take your hearing aids out, place them straight into the box or container you’ve chosen. Don’t ever leave them lying around.

Keeping your hearing aids clean

When you have your hearing aids fitted by Purchase Ear Technology, we will demonstrate how to keep the devices clean. Due to the location of the hearing aid, in a waxy, moist area, it’s common for wax and dirt to collect in some components of the hearing aid. Frequent cleaning helps to prevent a build-up of debris and increases the efficacy of the appliance. When you clean your hearing aids, use a soft cloth and wipe the earmolds with tepid, soapy water. Don’t attempt to dry out your hearing aids with a hairdryer, as the power could cause damage to the delicate parts.

Changing the batteries

Hearing aid batteries typically last for around two weeks. When you pick up your new hearing aids, we will show you how to change the battery, but if you have any questions or you’re not sure what to do when you get home, don’t hesitate to give us a call and ask for advice. To change the battery, pull out the battery drawer, take the old battery out and replace it with the new battery. Make sure you dispose of the old canister according to safety guidelines.

Checking in with a hearing health professional

When you have hearing aids, it’s always a good idea to check in with a hearing health professional, such at Tim Harmon at Purchase Ear Technology, on a regular basis.  We can help make sure that everything is going well and your hearing aids are offering all the benefits they should be. It’s particularly important to contact us if you have any issues programming your hearing aids or you’re worried that you may have damaged the device.

 

If you have hearing aids, it’s hugely beneficial to look after them to lower the risk of damage and ensure they’re firing on all cylinders. If you have any questions or you need advice, please contact Purchase Ear Technology at (270) 558-3996 or visit our office at 2008 Broadway, Paducah, KY  42001.