Once you’ve adjusted to life with your hearing aid, it becomes an indispensable part of your everyday regimen. The likelihood of a malfunction can be worrysome, as it causes not only a disruption to everyday life, but also a significant monetary burden in the form of repair or replacement expenses.
How to best take care of your hearing aid
By being aware of the prospective hazards that can damage your hearing aid and taking measures to maintain it correctly, you can protect its performance and continue to appreciate the increased quality of life it provides.
Proper battery upkeep
Your hearing aid’s functionality is heavily dependent on its battery. Therefore, choosing the appropriate batteries for your hearing aid is crucial. Speak with your hearing specialist to figure out the ideal battery variety for your model.
It is equally important to handle the batteries carefully. The natural oils, dirt, and moisture on your skin can transfer to the batteries and result in contamination, compromising their performance and potentially leading to damage.
Always clean your hands before changing the battery, and be certain they are completely dried to avoid introducing moisture into the device.
Adhere to the manufacturer’s guidelines diligently, especially concerning battery care. To extend the battery life of your hearing aid, be certain to power it off when not wearing it and keep it stored in a secure, dry location. Knowing the typical lifespan of a battery can also be really handy.
Make a note on your calendar each time you change the battery, so you can estimate when it will require changing again. It’s crucial to have a fresh battery with you at all times, particularly when you are not at home, in order to avoid being stuck without power all of a sudden.
Guard against moisture
Hearing aids, being technological devices, are vulnerable to moisture. Even slight contact can bring about harm or total failure of the device. Protect your hearing aid’s performance by acquiring a specialized drying device to preserve its functionality by getting rid of moisture. This unit supplies a safe and dry atmosphere for your hearing aid when not in use, safeguarding it from damage caused by unwanted moisture.
When participating in physical activities that cause sweating, you may think about taking out your hearing aid to stop moisture damage. Consult taking off your hearing aid to exercise, particularly outdoors, with your hearing specialist, as doing so could jeopardize your safety by reducing your awareness of essential auditory cues, such as 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 going for a swim.
Additionally, avoid utilizing hairspray, spray deodorants, and other aerosol items while using your hearing aid. These products contain moisture and chemicals that can accumulate on the device, resulting in long-term damage. Use these products before mounting your hearing aid to decrease exposure.
Avoid excessive ear wax accumulation
While earwax serves as a natural shield, shielding your ears from debris, dirt, and small insects, it can also hamper the effective performance of your hearing aid. The buildup of earwax in the device can result in it not working correctly. For correct maintenance, make an appointment with your audiologist or doctor to evaluate the amount of earwax build-up and establish an individualized cleaning plan suited to your ears and hearing device.
It is necessary to clean your ears carefully 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 break up and flush away some of the wax. It is also suggested to have your ears cleaned routinely by a professional. Though this may be a bit of a hassle, it’s a trivial issue in comparison to the frustration and complications that can occur from a hearing aid that’s not functioning effectively as a result of a buildup of earwax.
When it comes to cleaning your hearing aid, follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
Various kinds of hearing aids may need specific cleaning methods, and using an incorrect technique might damage 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.
Simple steps for continued reliability
After you’ve grown accustomed to wearing your hearing aids, they become an essential part of your life, making it difficult to imagine managing without having them. By applying a few simple safety strategies, you can protect your hearing aids from damage and maintain their reliability over the long term. Routine maintenance, proper storage, and careful handling are essential to keeping your hearing aids in optimal condition, allowing you to continue enjoying the improved quality of life they provide.
Schedule an appointment if you’re experiencing problems with your hearing aid or need to schedule a regular maintenance appointment.