After you have become familiar with wearing your hearing aid, it becomes an essential element of your everyday routine. The thought of it malfunctioning can be daunting, not simply because of the hassle but also thanks to the prospective expense of repairs or replacements.
How to best take care of your hearing aid
Recognizing what can damage your hearing aid and learning how to maintain it correctly will help you maintain its performance and ensure it continues to enrich your quality of life.
Proper battery care
The effectiveness of your hearing aid relies greatly on its battery. As a result, picking the appropriate batteries for your hearing aid is crucial. Talk to your hearing specialist to figure out the best battery type 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 functionality and potentially leading to damage.
Before switching out the battery, ensure your hands are clean and completely dry to keep any moisture from getting into the device.
Adhere to the manufacturer’s instructions meticulously, especially regarding battery care. Turn off your hearing aid when it’s not being used to protect battery life and keep it in a secure , dry place. Knowing the typical lifespan of a battery can also be quite handy.
Make a note on your calendar every time you change the battery, so you can estimate when it will need changing again. It’s essential to have a spare battery with you at all times, particularly when you are not at home, in order to avoid being left without power unexpectedly.
Protect against moisture
Hearing aids, being electronic devices, are vulnerable to moisture. Even minor exposure can lead to damage or a total breakdown of the device. Safeguard your hearing aid’s performance by acquiring a specialized drying device to maintain its functionality by removing moisture. This unit provides a secure and dry environment for your hearing aid when not in use, protecting it from damage caused by excessive moisture.
To safeguard your hearing aid from moisture damage, it’s a good plan to take it out before participating in activities that make you perspire heavily. Consult taking off your hearing aid to workout, especially outside, with your hearing specialist, as doing so could jeopardize your safety by reducing your awareness of important 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 take out your device before showering or going for a swim.
Moreover, it is recommended to avoid using spray deodorants, hairspray, and any other aerosol products when your hearing aid is in your ear. Prolonged exposure to these products can cause harm to the device, as the moisture and chemicals they contain can accumulate and result in permanent degredation over time. Use these products before putting on your hearing aid to minimize exposure.
Control earwax buildup
While earwax serves as a natural barrier, shielding your ears from debris, dirt, and tiny insects, it can also hamper the proper functioning of your hearing aid. Earwax can accumulate in the device, causing it to fail. For proper maintenance, schedule an appointment with your audiologist or doctor to evaluate the amount of earwax build-up and establish an individualized cleaning plan tailored to your ears and hearing device.
Cleaning your ears safely is vital– never insert any objects into your ear canal. Alternatively, allow warm water to flow into your ears during 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 minor issue in comparison to the disappointment and problems that can arise from a hearing aid that’s not working 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’re unsure about the proper cleaning method, consult your hearing specialist or hearing aid provider to ensure you’re taking the correct steps to protect your device from earwax damage.
Easy methods to ensure lasting dependability
After you’ve grown familiar with wearing your hearing aids, they become an indispensable part of your life, making it hard to imagine managing without them. By applying a few basic safety strategies, you can safeguard your hearing aids from damage and preserve their reliability over the long term. Prioritize regular upkeep, store them properly, and handle them with care, ensuring you can continue to reap the benefits of improved communication and a more satisfying lifestyle.
Make an appointment if you’re experiencing issues with your hearing aid or need to schedule a regular maintenance appointment.