Four Things You Should Know About Hearing Aids

If you're hard of hearing, a hearing aid can help you regain clarity. Hearing aids come in different types, and you and your doctor can decide together which one is right for you. Here are four things you should know if you're considering hearing aids:

1. Your doctor can prescribe hearing aids.

If you have a hard time understanding people in conversation and often need to turn the television or radio volume up, you may have hearing loss. An ENT specialist can confirm this with a hearing test, which will diagnose the type of hearing loss you suffer from. Based on the severity of your condition, your doctor may prescribe hearing aids. Different hearing aids are suited to varying degrees of hearing loss. Your doctor will be able to steer you toward the type that is right for you.

2. There are different fits available.

Hearing aids come in many different shapes and sizes. Some are meant to be worn around the outside of your ear, while others sit in your ear canal. There are even invisible hearing aids that sit further in your ear canal. This is a good option if you want something discreet that won't be noticed by others.

3. Hearing aids must be cleaned regularly.

You should clean your hearing aid daily. Earwax can build up on the surface of your hearing aid, which can cause damage if left unchecked. According to Starkey Hearing Technologies, you should clean your hearing aid once a day using a dry cloth. Carefully wipe away earwax and sebum and use special tools to remove any additional debris from the crevices of your hearing aid.

4. Hearing aids should be removed at night.

Before you go to sleep, you should remove your hearing aid. This will prevent you from causing damage to either the device or your ear while you're sleeping. Always store your hearing aid in a proper case. Moisture can permanently damage your hearing aid, so keep it away from sources of water. Some people find that storing their hearing aid near a dehumidifier or inside a dehumidifying box preserves its function best.

Hearing aids can greatly improve your quality of life. They will allow you to participate more easily in conversations so you can connect with the people you love. You will also be able to enjoy the sound of rain outside your window or birds singing. An ENT specialist, like Mark Montgomery MD FACS, can help you choose the model of hearing aid that fits your needs.