People who start using hearing aids sometimes need a few weeks to get
used to them. Similarly, many people find that training or counseling can
help them get more out of their devices.
If you have hearing loss in both ears, you might get more out of using
hearing aids in both, especially in situations that make you tired from
listening-for example, noisy environments.
Note: Tell FDA about injuries, malfunctions, or other adverse events.
To report a problem involving your hearing aid, you should submit
information to FDA as soon as possible after the problem. FDA calls them
"adverse events," and they might include: skin irritation in your ear, injury
from the device (like cuts or scratches, or burns from an overheated bat-
tery), pieces of the device getting stuck in your ear, suddenly worsening
hearing loss from using the device, etc.
Instructions for reporting are available at https://www.fda.gov/Safety/
MedWatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088. You can also download a form to
mail to FDA.
Note: Hearing loss in people younger than 18.
-People younger than 18 should see a doctor first, preferably an ear-
nose- throat doctor (an ENT), because they may have different needs
than adults.
- The doctor will identify and treat medical conditions as appropriate.
- The doctor may refer the person to an audiologist for a separate test, a
hearing aid evaluation.
- The hearing aid evaluation will help the audiologist select and fit the
appropriate hearing aid.
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