10 Common Problems Hearing Aid Customers Face and How to Fix Them

Adjusting to life with hearing aids takes a bit of time, so it pays to be prepared for whatever’s ahead. Keep reading for a list of some of the most common problems that hearing aid customers report and how Beltone hearing aids help you solve them.

Your hearing aids were a major investment, so Beltone wants you to be set up for success with your new equipment from your very first day. That’s why we offer our Belcare program of ongoing care and protection for the life of your hearing aids.

Below are some of the most common issues reported by hearing aid customers and how Beltone helps to solve them.

Problem #1: Battery Life

Traditional hearing aids require compact batteries to operate, meaning you’ll always need to be aware of your hearing aid’s battery life.

The Solution: The best solution for battery runtime is Beltone’s rechargeable hearing aid models. Recent advancements in hearing aid technology have allowed Beltone to offer rechargeable hearing aid options that are convenient and eco-friendly.

If you opt for a traditional hearing aid model, be sure to carry plenty of spares while traveling or out and about. Beltone makes that easy by offering hearing aid batteries at a major discount from our online shop. Here are some additional tips:

• Check to see if your medical benefits cover hearing aid batteries, as many do!
• You can expect to get anywhere from 4 days to 2 weeks out of each battery, so plan accordingly.
• Remember to switch off your hearing aids whenever you’re not using them to help preserve battery life.

Check out our complete blog on the topic of changing out your hearing aid batteries.

Problem #2: Moisture Concerns

Let’s face it, whether it’s our sweat, the shower, or a rainy day, hearing aids are bound to encounter moisture. Many people worry that excessive moisture will damage their devices or cause them to slip and fall out.

The Solution: Hearing aids are built to hold up against the elements, including moisture. For added security, choose from any of Beltone’s hearing aids, which come with an HPF80 NanoBlock protective coating.

While we still recommend taking hearing aids out during a shower, a bit of sweat or a little bad weather won’t cause damage. Be sure to get your hearing aid fitted properly by a hearing care professional so it fits snuggly.

Problem #3: Build Up of Earwax

In the past, excessive earwax has been known to interfere with hearing aids as it blocked the device’s microphone and other small parts, hindering their efficient performance.

The Solution: With regular ear cleaning, ear wax is unlikely to build up to an amount that could clog your devices. You can learn more about earwax and how to properly clean your ears here.

Be sure to wipe your hearing aids clean after you remove them to avoid any build up on the devices themselves. For more information about cleaning your hearing aids, check out our complete blog on the topic.

Problem #4: Feedback

When hearing aids pick up on their own operating noises, usually when something is rubbed against them, they end up amplifying the sounds made by their components, which causes a jarring and high-pitched squealing sound.

The Solution: Avoid turning on your hearing aid until it is in your ear, and make sure it fits properly. If feedback is a concern for you, make sure to select a hearing aid that comes with a feedback elimination feature, such as the Beltone Imagine that comes with Feedback Eraser.

Click here to read our complete blog on the topic of eliminating feedback from your hearing aids.

Problem #5: Maintaining an Active Lifestyle

When you first start wearing a hearing aid, it’s going to feel a little strange, maybe even bulky, despite its small size. Many people end up wondering how they are going to maintain the active lifestyles they are used to, like going to the gym or wearing a helmet while mountain biking.

The Solution: Beltone hearing aids are so small they are unlikely to interfere with physical activity. Our devices are perfect for people with active lifestyles.

Problem #6: Swimming

Helping people with limited hearing to still enjoy a day at the beach or pool is an issue hearing aid manufacturers are continually addressing. So far, options are still limited, with very few completely waterproof hearing aids on the market.

The Solution: If swimming is a big part of your life, speak to your Beltone hearing care professional, who will be able to make some recommendations. If you’ll be around the water a lot, such as on a boating trip, consider stowing your hearing aids in a safe place. Eventually, making these adjustments will become second nature.

Problem #7: Sleeping

A common question people new to hearing aids have is what to do at bedtime. Leave them in, and the discomfort is bound to affect the quality of your sleep. Take them out, and how will you hear your children, an intruder, an alarm clock, or a smoke detector?

The Solution: There are hearing aids available that are suitable for 24/7 wear. Let your hearing care professional know if you are concerned about having to wear hearing aids through the night. He or she can match you up with the appropriate Beltone device and customize the device’s sleep setting to suit your needs.

Problem #8 Headaches

As you’re getting used to the feeling and functionality of your new hearing aid, it’s possible you might experience mild headaches at the start, or at the very least something called a “stuffy head syndrome,” which feels a bit like having plugged ears.

The Solution: If hearing aids are causing persistent headaches, something is wrong with the way they are fitted or the way have been set up. It might be that the settings on your hearing aid are too loud for what you’re ready for. A Beltone hearing care professional can adjust the settings to reduce the power of your hearing aid, giving you time to acclimate to the new world of sound around you.

Problem #9: Volume Control

Hearing aids used to require a lot of adjusting, whether you were talking on the phone, listening to the television, or sitting around the table during a loud dinner party. Many people new to hearing aids fear they will have to account for these scenarios throughout the day, constantly drawing attention to the fact they are wearing hearing aids.

The Solution: Go digital with Beltone! Today’s digital hearing aids auto-adjust to your surroundings, minimizing the amount of time you’ll have to spend fussing over volume control. Some hearing aids also come with a remote control, which allows for discreet volume control when required.

Plus, today’s technology allows for connecting to your mobile device via an app to control volume changes, environmental programs and limitless changes to your sound quality! You can even adjust the quality of sound for music and background noise!

Problem #10: Malfunctions or Damage

Since hearing aids are intricate devices, a lot of people worry they are fragile and prone to breaking down, especially in the event they are dropped or stepped on! The concern about hearing aids malfunctioning is two-fold: covering replacement costs and suffering from downtime.

The Solution: Buy your hearing aids from a reputable Beltone location in your community where you can get Belcare for your ongoing hearing aid service and support, including a warranty in the event of loss, theft or damage.