A hearing aid is an electroacoustic body worn apparatus which typically fits in or behind the wearer’s ear, and is designed to amplify and modulate sound for the wearer. Earlier devices, known as an “ear trumpet” or “ear horn“, were passive funnel-like amplification cones designed to gather sound energy and direct it into the ear canal. Similar devices include the bone anchored hearing aid, and cochlear implant.
There are several common problems for first time hearing aid users that can be corrected if handled appropriately:


1. Unrealistic expectations. Many people are fitted for a hearing aid and assume that they will now have perfect hearing and perfect clarity immediately.


2. Trying too much too soon. Popping in a hearing aid on the first day and expecting to go to a baseball game or theater means the wearer is doomed to disappointment. The sudden increase in hearing a user experiences with hearing aids will be overwhelming.


3. Too much recruitment. Recruitment is a technical term referring to the way some sounds seem over-amplified when someone is wearing a hearing aid. This usually happens because there is a limited range in which a hearing aid can work. The aid has to amplify all sounds, but some don’t need to be amplified as loud as others, and the resulting distortion translates as recruitment.

4. Neglecting hearing aid features. Anyone with hearing aids that utilize the latest features, such as directional microphones or noise cancellation technology, should be sure they understand how to adjust these features before they leave their audiologist’s office. If they get home and discover they aren’t sure, it’s essential to schedule a follow-up visit.

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