Once you’ve adapted to life with your hearing aid, it becomes an important part of your everyday routine. The idea of it malfunctioning can be daunting, not just because of the inconvenience but also due to the potential cost of repairs or replacements.
How to properly care for your hearing aid
Recognizing what can damage your hearing aid and knowing how to maintain it correctly will help you maintain its performance and ensure it continues to enhance your quality of life.
Proper battery maintenance
The performance of your hearing aid relies significantly on its battery. Hence, it is essential to pick the appropriate batteries for your device. Discuss with your audiologist to find out which battery type is most suitable for your specific hearing aid model.
Handling the batteries with care is equally important. Oils, dirt, and moisture from your hands can contaminate the batteries, resulting in potential damage.
Prior to switching out the battery, ensure your hands are clean and totally dry to prevent any moisture from entering the device.
Adhere closely to the manufacturer’s instructions, especially regarding battery upkeep. To prolong the battery life of your hearing aid, make sure to power it down when not using it and keep it stored in a safe , dry location. Familiarizing yourself with the battery’s normal lifespan is also helpful.
Make a note on your calendar each time you change the battery, so you can estimate when it will require changing again. It’s important to have a fresh battery with you at all times, particularly when you are not at home, in order to prevent being stuck without power all of a sudden.
Guard against moisture
Hearing aids, being technological devices, are susceptible to moisture. Even brief contact can cause harm or total failure of the device. To protect your hearing aid, consider purchasing a dehumidifier developed specifically for hearing aids. This device supplies a secure and dry environment for your hearing aid when not in use, safeguarding it from damage caused by excessive moisture.
To protect your hearing aid from water damage, it’s a good plan to take it out before taking part in activities that make you perspire heavily. Consult taking off your hearing aid to workout, particularly outdoors, with your hearing specialist, as doing so may compromise your safety by reducing your awareness of essential auditory cues, including traffic noises or warning alarms. If necessary, go with indoor exercise where it’s safer to be without your hearing aid, and always remember to remove your device before showering or swimming.
Also, avoid utilizing hairspray, spray deodorants, and other aerosol products while using your hearing aid. Prolonged exposure to these products can cause harm to the device, as the moisture and chemicals they consist of can build up and result in permanent deterioration over time. In order to decrease exposure, use these types of products before putting in your hearing aids.
Prevent excessive ear wax accumulation
Though earwax plays a protective role by keeping dust, insects, and other foreign particles out of your ears, it can pose a problem for your hearing aid. Earwax can build up in the device, causing it to fail. To control this, have your ears examined by your hearing specialist or physician to evaluate the level of earwax buildup and create an appropriate cleaning routine for both your ears and your hearing aid.
It is necessary to clean your ears safely and never put anything foreign into your ear canal. Instead, allow warm water to flow into your ears in the course of showers, which can help disperse and flush away some of the wax. Routine professional ear cleaning is also recommended. Though this might be a bit of a hassle, it’s a trivial concern compared to the frustration and problems that can arise from a hearing aid that’s not functioning properly due to a buildup of earwax.
To properly clean your hearing aid, carefully adhere to the guidelines provided by the manufacturer.
Different types of hearing aids may require different cleaning techniques, and using the wrong method could cause harm to your device. If you are uncertain about how to clean your hearing aid correctly, it is recommended to seek guidance from your hearing specialist or hearing aid manufacturer.
Basic steps for continued reliability
After you’ve grown accustomed to wearing your hearing aids, they become an indispensable part of your life, making it hard to imagine managing without them. By using a few easy precautions, you can avoid damage and ensure your hearing aids remain dependable for years to come. Prioritize routine maintenance, store them properly, and handle them with care, ensuring you can continue to reap the benefits of improved communication and a more fulfilling lifestyle.
If you are having difficulties with your hearing aid or need to schedule a routine maintenance appointment, please arrange for a visit.