Achieving and maintaining better hearing is a process that requires work on the part of the hearing aid wearer and the hearing professional. Since every individual is unique both in their hearing loss and their brain processing capacity, communication and teamwork with the hearing professional is critical to ensure the best hearing outcomes. We strive to give patients plenty of time to ensure issues are addressed.

Adjusting to hearing aids takes time. The adjustment period varies by person. The longer an individual with hearing loss waits to get hearing aids, the more time and effort it takes to get used to them. Modifications to both the physical fit and the sound quality are typically necessary. First time wearers almost always find hearing aids to be too loud initially as their auditory system, including the inner ear, nerves and brain, all work more when receiving proper amplification. Initially, the auditory system resists change. In order to improve adaptation, we program new hearing aids with less amplification initially, then increase it over time (weeks or even months), allowing the brain to adapt.

In a recent continuing education course I completed, the results of a study on the impact that wearing specific hearing aids had on the wearers was presented. Researchers collected data on numerous effects of hearing aids on wearers. For most, wearing hearing aids helped them more easily understand and cause them to be less tired. For some, however, it made them more tired. Why would this occur? Most likely because when individuals who are isolated due to lack of hearing could finally hear clearly, they actually started to understand and had use more mental energy to process what was being said.

Hearing aids require maintenance on the part of the wearer as well as the professional. The human body is very harsh on hearing aids. Devices can malfunction due to wax, oil, sweat and other factors. The chemical composition of excretions from the skin along with environmental factors will cause devices to deteriorate and malfunction over time. Individuals need to clean and perform simple regular maintenance to ensure the devices continue to work properly. Regular professional cleanings help ensure peak performance and the longevity of the devices. Hearing aids that are cleaned regularly last longer and perform better over time.

The majority of the time, performance issues can be resolved in the office. At other times the devices must be sent in to the manufacturer for repair. The manufacturer warranty covers not only parts that malfunction prematurely, it also covers when the microphones or receiver stop working due to improper cleaning and maintenance. And while some hearing devices are water proof or extremely water resistant, others may not be. In the event that water causes the microphones to fail, the warranty will cover that as well.

Blue Ribbon Hearing & Tinnitus Center was established in Brighton in 2017 by owner and operator John Wilson, a graduate of Fort Lupton High School and Brigham Young University.