All About Hearing Aids: Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Hearing aids offer more than just improved sound—they can also boost your overall quality of life. By helping you understand speech more clearly, they allow you to stay social and enjoy family get-togethers or outings with friends. Research shows that untreated hearing loss may lead to health problems like depression, anxiety, and even a higher risk of cognitive decline. Using hearing aids can help you stay connected and protect your mental well-being.

They often do. Many people achieve some tinnitus relief with hearing aids, while some find substantial relief. Because tinnitus is often linked to hearing loss, if your ears are ringing, it’s smart to get a hearing test to see if hearing aids can make a difference.

A high-pitched squeal or whistle can happen for a few reasons, and most are easy to fix:

• Contact: A quick squeak may happen if you bump your hearing aid with your phone or if a hat or scarf brushes against it. A small adjustment usually stops it.
• High Volume: Turning your hearing aids up too loud can cause feedback. If you often need the highest volume, come in for a check to see if your settings need to be changed.
• Fit: If the device doesn’t fit snugly, feedback is more likely. Try removing and reinserting it. If that doesn’t help, let us adjust it for you.

Yes. It’s usually a simple process. Bring your hearing aid in, and we can fine-tune or reprogram it, so it works better in different listening situations. Newer models often let you switch between multiple settings with ease.

Research is limited, but some studies suggest that better hearing might improve balance for people with hearing loss. Participants did better on certain balance tests while their hearing aids were on, compared to when they were turned off.

Like other electronic devices, hearing aids can sometimes stop working correctly. Common problems include low batteries or a need for cleaning. A weak battery may cause poor sound, quiet volume, or a device that won’t switch on. Dirty hearing aids can lead to muffled audio, feedback, or discomfort. Regular cleaning and yearly checkups can solve most issues. If you need hearing aid repair, we can help.

Most modern hearing aids come with Bluetooth connectivity, letting them pair with iPhones and other smartphones. Some brands can link directly to your phone without needing a separate device. This “direct connection” lets you make hands-free calls and enjoy music or TV in stereo. If you’d like a demo, visit us and we’ll show you how these features work.

Not completely, but some models are water-resistant. This means they can handle a bit of moisture, such as rain or a quick shower, though they aren’t meant for swimming or heavy water exposure. Remember that hearing aids work best when they’re clean and dry. Too much water can harm the electronics and allow bacteria to grow.

A good plan is to clean and store them in their case each night, which guards against humidity and curious pets. Aim for a more thorough cleaning once a month, using methods we’ve shown you. It’s also wise to come once a year for a professional cleaning and hearing test to confirm that your current devices still match your needs.

Many hearing aids are now rechargeable and don’t require batteries—but if yours does, always check the expiration date on hearing aid batteries, and use older ones first. Many rely on zinc, so after you pull the tab, wait about five minutes before placing the battery in your hearing aid—you might get a few extra days of life this way. Remove the batteries when you’re not using your hearing aids and store them in a dry area. Avoid putting them in the freezer, as that can drain them faster.

Instead of throwing them away, think about donating them to a charitable group like Lions Club International or the Starkey Hearing Foundation. These organizations refurbish used hearing aids and give them to people who can’t afford new ones. You’ll help someone in need, and you might even qualify for a tax break.