The buttons on your hearing aid typically control volume and program settings.
Many hearing aids feature buttons to help you manage your listening experience. The exact functionality depends on the specific model and manufacturer, but here's a breakdown of the common types:
Common Hearing Aid Buttons:
-
Volume Control:
- These buttons (or a rocker switch) adjust the loudness of the sounds you hear. One button increases the volume, while the other decreases it. Some aids might have a single rocker switch where pressing the top increases volume and the bottom decreases it.
-
Program Button:
- This button cycles through different listening programs. Hearing aids often come pre-programmed with settings optimized for various environments, such as quiet rooms, noisy restaurants, or listening to music. Pressing the program button will switch between these settings.
Less Common Features:
-
On/Off Switch: While many newer models turn on automatically when the battery door is closed, some older models may have a dedicated on/off switch.
-
Telecoil (T-coil) Setting: Some hearing aids have a program specifically designed to work with telecoils (T-coils). T-coils are small antennas inside the hearing aid that pick up magnetic signals from compatible devices like telephones or public address systems in theaters or places of worship. A program button might activate this feature.
Button Placement:
- The placement of these buttons can vary. Some hearing aids place both the program button and volume controls on the same surface, while others divide them for intuitive use. For example, a hearing aid might have a push-button for program changes on the bottom and a rocker switch for volume adjustment on the top.
Important Considerations:
- Consult Your Audiologist: The best way to understand the specific functions of the buttons on your hearing aid is to consult with your audiologist. They can explain the features of your device and personalize the settings to your needs.
- User Manual: Your hearing aid's user manual will also provide detailed information about the buttons and their functions.
- Practice: It takes time to get used to the buttons. Practice using them in different listening environments to become comfortable with their operation.
