November is officially here, and that means the holidays aren’t far off. As the stores fill with tasty treats and holiday décor, you might be getting ready for the celebratory season in your own way. Whether your list includes a pumpkin latte from Presta Coffee Roasters or a trip to one of Tucson’s harvest festivals, you want to make sure your hearing aids are equipped for the season ahead.
Let’s take a quick look at a list of ways you can prepare your devices for the upcoming holidays.
1. Schedule a Repair & Service Appointment
An estimated 28.8 million U.S. adults could benefit from hearing aids. One of the best ways to maximize the performance of your devices is to schedule regular service appointments. During a repair & service appointment, your hearing aid specialist will deep clean your devices and check their programming to ensure you continue to receive clear sound. This is your opportunity to raise any questions or concerns you may have about the sound. Common concerns include:
- The amplification doesn’t feel high enough anymore
- The frequency feels unnatural
- You hear a whistling sound
2. Get To Know the Companion App
Your hearing aid companion app is your one-stop shop for adjusting settings and enabling features like directional microphones or tinnitus masking. If you haven’t already, read the manual and review the app so you can ensure you’re using the right settings for your situation—a must in busy holiday gatherings.
3. Try Auditory Training
If you’re new to hearing aids, you might have trouble understanding speech initially. Processing speech is a skill, and when hearing loss puts that skill into disuse, it can slowly erode. Retrain your brain for the hectic holiday conversations by listening to audiobooks, reading aloud or starting an auditory training program.
4. Stock up on Batteries
If your hearing aids use disposable batteries, keep an extra pack on hand for emergencies, especially if you’re traveling. If your devices have rechargeable batteries, charge them before major events and carry the case with you for spot charging if the battery starts to run low.
5. Enjoy Your Holidays
The holidays are a time to be together. By caring for your hearing aids, you can enjoy every moment of that time.
For more information on caring for your devices or to schedule a repair & service appointment, contact Arizona Hearing Specialists today.