How to Adjust the Volume on Hearing Aids?

Written by the Nano Hearing Aids Team
Reviewed for Accuracy by Lindsay Roberts, AuD.

Lindsay Roberts
How to Adjust the Volume on Hearing Aids?

Key Takeaways

  • Hearing aids offer both manual and automatic volume adjustments for various environments.
  • Mobile applications can be used to control hearing aid volume remotely.
  • Proper volume adjustment prevents potential damage to your ears and ensures clear hearing.
  • Our First Ear Pro BTE model has adjustable volume settings and intuitive controls, so you can easily set them up for clear sound.

NANO Hearing Aids are FDA-registered, Class I devices. Our OTC hearing aids are designed for individuals over 18 years of age with perceived mild to moderate hearing impairment. With prices starting at just $297, they offer a viable solution for those looking to improve their hearing without breaking the bank.

Shop NANO OTC Hearing Aids

Adjusting the Volume on Your Hearing Aids

Hearing aids offer two types of volume controls:

  • Manual controls include:
    • Rocker switches
    • Push buttons
    • Volume wheels
  • Automatic controls adapt the volume based on environmental noise levels, lowering amplification in noisy settings to protect your ears.

The Importance of Proper Volume Adjustment

  • Why Volume Control Matters for Hearing Clarity: 
    • Correct volume settings help distinguish between different sounds, making it easier to follow conversations in noisy environments.
  • Preventing Damage from Incorrect Volume Levels: 
    • If the volume is too high, it can cause over-amplification, discomfort, and even pain. Prolonged exposure to high volume levels can worsen hearing loss over time.
    • If the volume is too low, you may miss important sounds and conversations.

Manual Volume Adjustments

  • Identifying Manual Controls on Your Hearing Aids: Manual volume adjustments are straightforward once you locate the controls.
    • Look for small levers or switches on the hearing aid body.
    • Some devices may have a wheel for volume adjustment.
    • Check the user manual for specific instructions on locating the volume controls.
  • Step-by-Step Guide to Manual Volume Adjustment: 
    • Turn on your hearing aids.
    • Locate the volume control buttons, levers, or wheels.
    • Gradually increase the volume until you reach a comfortable level.
    • If the volume is too loud, decrease it slightly until it feels right.
    • Test the new volume setting in different environments to ensure clarity.
    • Make small adjustments and test the volume in various situations to find the optimal setting.
  • Common Issues and Troubleshooting Manual Controls: Even with the best hearing aids, you may encounter issues.
    • Volume Not Changing: Ensure the hearing aid is turned on and the battery is functioning. Clean the controls if dirt interferes with their operation.
    • Uneven Volume Between Ears: Some hearing aids allow independent volume control for each ear. If one ear sounds louder, check the settings for each device.
    • Accidental Volume Changes: Consider using a hearing aid with a lock feature or adjusting the control sensitivity if you frequently change the volume by accident.

Automatic Volume Adjustments

  • How Automatic Adjustments Work: Automatic volume adjustments use advanced algorithms and sensors in the hearing aid.
    • The hearing aid continuously monitors ambient noise levels.
    • It identifies different types of sounds, such as speech, music, or background noise.
    • The device adjusts volume and amplification settings to optimize hearing clarity.
  • When to Rely on Automatic Settings: Automatic settings are ideal for dynamic environments where sound levels frequently change.
    • In social events with varying noise levels, automatic adjustments enhance conversation clarity without constant manual tweaking.
    • In stable environments with consistent noise levels, you might prefer manual adjustments.

 

Close-up of Nano First Ear Pro BTE hearing aids, showing their adjustable volume controls.

Fine-tune your hearing with our First Ear Pro BTE.

 

Using Apps for Volume Control

Connecting Your Hearing Aids to a Mobile App

To begin, download the app recommended by your hearing aid manufacturer. Follow these steps to connect your hearing aids:

  1. Ensure your hearing aids are on and in pairing mode.
  2. Open the app and follow the on-screen instructions to connect your devices.
  3. Once connected, access settings and controls directly from the app.

Making Volume Adjustments via Mobile App

  1. Open the app on your smartphone.
  2. Navigate to the volume control section.
  3. Use the slider or buttons to increase or decrease the volume.
  4. Test the new volume setting in different environments for optimal hearing.

Advanced Features of Mobile Apps

  • Program Switching: Easily switch between different hearing programs for various environments, such as quiet rooms, noisy streets, or music listening.
  • Geotagging: Save specific settings for different locations; the app automatically adjusts when you arrive.
  • Hearing Health Monitoring: Track your hearing aid usage and monitor your hearing health over time.

Testing and Fine-Tuning Volume Settings

Once you've adjusted the volume on your hearing aids, test the settings in various environments to fine-tune the settings for optimal hearing clarity.

Testing in Different Environments

  • Quiet Rooms: Ensure soft sounds are clear without background noise interference.
  • Noisy Environments: Check if the hearing aids effectively reduce background noise and enhance speech clarity.
  • Outdoor Settings: Test how the hearing aids handle wind and ambient sounds in open spaces.

Fine-Tuning for Specific Situations

  • Increase the volume slightly if conversations are difficult to hear in noisy environments.
  • Reduce the volume or use a noise reduction program if background noise is overwhelming.
  • Experiment with different settings in outdoor environments to find the best balance between ambient sounds and speech clarity.

How Nano Hearing Aids Can Help

Nano First Ear Pro BTE hearing aids with a portable charging case.

Keep your hearing aids charged and ready with Nano's compact charging case.

At Nano Hearing Aids, we’ve been committed to delivering a seamless and customizable hearing experience for over 7 years. Our First Ear Pro BTE model exemplifies this commitment, with easy-to-use controls and powerful noise reduction technology to ensure you hear clearly in any environment. This behind-the-ear device is a comfortable and discreet solution for managing perceived mild to moderate hearing loss.

Equipped with a small portable charging case that allows you to recharge your aids up to 2 times, the First Ear Pro BTE has up to 20 hours of listening time per charge.

Whether you prefer the precision of manual controls or the convenience of automatic adjustments, you can enjoy clear sound with our First Ear Pro BTE.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How do I know if the volume is too high on my hearing aids?

If the volume is too high, you may experience discomfort or pain, and sounds may appear distorted. It's important to adjust the volume to a comfortable level where you can hear clearly without any discomfort.

Can I adjust the volume on all hearing aids?

Most modern hearing aids come with volume adjustment options, either through manual controls or mobile apps. However, some basic models may have limited adjustment capabilities. Check your user manual for specific instructions.

What do I do if I can't find the volume controls?

If you're having trouble locating the volume controls, refer to your hearing aid's user manual or contact the manufacturer for assistance. They can provide detailed instructions on how to adjust the volume on your specific device.

How often should I adjust the volume on my hearing aids?

The frequency of volume adjustments depends on your environment and personal preferences. In dynamic environments, you may need to adjust the volume more frequently. In stable settings, less frequent adjustments may be necessary.

What is the difference between manual and automatic volume adjustments?

Manual adjustments require you to change the volume settings yourself using buttons or wheels on the hearing aid. Automatic adjustments are managed by the hearing aid's software, which adapts the volume based on the surrounding noise levels.

Are there specific apps recommended for hearing aid volume control?

Most hearing aid manufacturers offer dedicated apps for their devices. It's best to use the app recommended by your hearing aid manufacturer for optimal compatibility and functionality.

Why should I choose Nano OTC Hearing Aids?

Nano OTC Hearing Aids, like our First Ear Pro BTE model, have user-friendly volume controls, comfortable design, and feedback management and noise reduction technology for clear sound. 

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