How to use your hearing aid controls

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This post originally appeared on Starkey.com

Hearing aids are designed to help you hear better in any situation. For example, if you were to go from a busy coffee shop to a windy park to your quiet home, your hearing aids should be able to seamlessly adapt to each environment to help you hear your best. It’s all thanks to cutting-edge technology of your hearing aids that you can personalize even further for your needs—if you choose to—using hearing aid controls.

Hearing aid controls allow you to control hearing aid volume, switch programs, activate automatic features that can help you hear your best in unpredictable listening environments, and much more.

While a hearing care professional is your top resource for helping you identify the right hearing aid control method for you, we can help you get the conversation started with our simplified guide to hearing aid controls below.

Understanding hearing aid controls—automatic, manual, app, accessory

There are a lot of ways you can take control of your hearing. Get to know the different types of hearing aid controls below to see which may be best for you.

Automatic adjustment

While hearing aids are available with user controls that allow you to adjust sound and volume, switch programs and more in the moment, you may prefer the simplicity of hearing aids that can adjust on their own.

Many modern hearing aids are designed to automatically adjust to your surroundings with the goal of rarely needing manual adjustments. However, sometimes unique situations call for the need for more control, which is where other user controls come in handy.

Example of use: Simply put in the hearing aids and go about your day—without having to touch them.

On-board user controls

The user controls on your hearing aids can be configured by your hearing care professional to allow you to perform numerous functions, including adjusting volume, switching programs, and/or shifting the span of directional microphones.

  • Rocker switch: This switch is located on the base of standard hearing aids. It has a top and bottom portion, each of which can be pressed for different functions.

    Example of use: To increase volume, for instance, you may press the upper part of the switch. To decrease, press the lower part of the switch.

  • Push button: This button is located on the base of a standard or custom hearing aid and can be different-shaped, depending on the device.

    Example of use: To switch between programs specifically, you may perform short taps on the button to get to the program you want.

  • Tap Control: Using the sensors onboard the hearing aid, you can double tap the side of the hearing aid to enable certain features.

    Example of use: Double tap your hearing aid to engage Edge Mode+, Starkey’s leading solution for instant comfort or clarity in any situation.

  • Volume wheel: This rotary volume control is commonly found on custom hearing aids.

    Example of use:     To turn volume up or down, press and turn the volume wheel clockwise or counterclockwise.

Hearing aid app

Compatible with rechargeable Bluetooth® enabled hearing aids, the hearing aid app links your smartphone to your hearing aids, allowing you to adjust your device’s volume, switch or customize programs, activate noise reduction features, take calls or stream audio to your hearing aids, and more—from your smartphone. The functionality is as simple as tapping a button on the user-friendly app screens.

Example of use: Our My Starkey app can help you hear in unpredictable listening environments where noise may suddenly become louder: Simply tap the on-demand Edge Mode+ feature, which will automatically scan, adapt, and optimize your hearing (from your hearing aids) while zeroing in on speech—even as you move around or transition to new environments.

Bonus features: My Starkey can also give you more control over your wellness, with features that allow you to monitor and set goals for your steps/exercise and social/cognitive activities, assess your balance, and much more.

Learn more about My Starkey here.

Wireless hearing aid accessories

Because hearing loss is complex and different for everyone, sometimes (even with hearing aids in) locations with lots of background noise and distance between the people or thing you are trying to hear can be difficult. This is where wireless hearing aid accessories can help you hear people or home audio at the volume you need by connecting to your rechargeable Bluetooth enabled hearing aids.

Wireless hearing aid accessories include the Remote Microphone, Table Microphone, TV Streamer, and Remote Control—all streaming accessories are also controllable from the My Starkey app.

Example of use: For help having a one-on-one conversation in noise, clip the StarLink Edge Remote Microphone to your companion’s shirt or place it on a table between you to stream their voice directly to your hearing aids.

Or, if your need is more related to dexterity issues or maximum simplicity overall, the StarLink Remote Control 2.0 lets you easily control hearing aid volume, switch programs, and access a favorite feature from the palm of your hand.

Learn more about wireless accessories available here.

Explore your control options with a hearing care professional

Now that you have a broad understanding of how to control hearing aids, the next step is an easy one: Make an appointment with your hearing care professional to discuss the different controls and see which ones are best for you.

Don’t currently work with a hearing care professional? Go here, type in your zip code, and reach out to a local, licensed provider today.

Want to get the most out of your hearing aids? Visit the closest Chicagoland Hearing office to you to learn more about your hearing health.