Once you’ve adjusted to life with your hearing aid, it becomes an important part of your daily regimen. The likelihood of a malfunction can be worrysome, as it causes not just a disturbance to everyday life, but also a considerable financial burden in the form of repair or replacement expenses.
How to best take care of your hearing aid
Comprehending what can damage your hearing aid and learning how to care for it properly will help you maintain its functionality and ensure it continues to enrich your quality of life.
Proper battery maintenance
The performance of your hearing aid depends substantially on its battery. Hence, it is important to choose the right batteries for your device. Talk to your hearing specialist to figure out the ideal battery variety for your model.
It is equally important to handle the batteries carefully. Oils, dirt, and moisture from your hands can contaminate the batteries, resulting in potential damage.
Before replacing the battery, make sure your hands are clean and thoroughly dry to keep any moisture from entering the device.
Adhere directly to the manufacturer’s directions, particularly regarding battery maintenance. Power off your hearing aid when it’s not being used to preserve battery life and keep it in a secure , dry place. Familiarizing yourself with the battery’s normal lifespan is also helpful.
Note on your calendar when you replace the battery, so you can anticipate when it needs to be replaced. It’s crucial to have a spare battery with you at all times, specifically when you are not at home, in order to avoid being stuck without power unexpectedly.
Prevent moisture damage
Hearing aids, being electronic devices, are vulnerable to moisture. Even brief contact can cause harm or total failure of the device. Protect your hearing aid’s performance by purchasing a specialized drying device to preserve its functionality by removing moisture. This device can safely store your hearing aid when it’s not being used, keeping it dry and free from moisture-related problems.
To protect your hearing aid from moisture damage, it’s a smart idea to take it out before taking part in activities that make you sweat heavily. However, speak with your hearing specialist first, as taking out your hearing aid during exercise, particularly outdoors, may pose safety concerns by limiting your ability to hear external sounds like traffic or alarms. If necessary, opt for 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.
Furthermore, it is recommended to avoid using spray deodorants, hairspray, and any other aerosol products when your hearing aid is in your ear. These products contain moisture and chemicals that can build up on the device, leading to long-term damage. Use these products before putting on your hearing aid to minimize exposure.
Avoid excessive ear wax accumulation
Though earwax plays a defensive role by keeping dust, insects, and other foreign particles out of your ears, it can pose a challenge for your hearing aid. Earwax can build up in the device, causing it to malfunction. To manage this, have your ears checked out by your hearing specialist or doctor to assess the level of earwax buildup and create an appropriate cleaning routine for both your ears and your hearing aid.
It is important to clean your ears carefully and never put anything foreign into your ear canal. Alternatively, allow warm water to stream into your ears in the course of showers, which can help break up and wash away some of the wax. Regular professional ear cleaning is also recommended. Though this may be a bit of a hassle, it’s a minor issue compared to the frustration and problems that can occur from a hearing aid that’s not functioning effectively 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’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 reliability
After you’ve become accustomed to wearing your hearing aids, they become an indispensable part of your life, making it hard to imagine managing without them. By taking a few easy safety measures, you can avoid damage and ensure your hearing aids remain dependable for years to come. 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.
If you are having troubles with your hearing aid or need to book a routine maintenance appointment, please arrange for a visit.