Once you’ve adapted to life with your hearing aid, it becomes an indispensable part of your daily regimen. The idea of it breaking down can be daunting, not just because of the inconvenience but also thanks to the prospective cost of repairs or replacements.
How to properly take care of your hearing aid
Recognizing what can damage your hearing aid and learning how to maintain it properly will help you maintain its functionality and ensure it continues to improve your quality of life.
Proper battery upkeep
Your hearing aid’s functionality is heavily dependent on its battery. Hence, it is essential to pick the right batteries for your device. Consult with your hearing specialist to determine 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 pass on to the batteries and cause contamination, compromising their functionality and potentially causing damage.
Always clean your hands before swapping out the battery, and make sure they are completely dried to prevent introducing moisture into the device.
Adhere to the manufacturer’s guidelines meticulously, especially concerning battery care. To extend 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 beneficial.
Note on your calendar when you change the battery, so you can anticipate when it needs to be replaced. It’s important to have a fresh battery with you at all times, particularly when you are not at home, in order to avoid being left without power all of a sudden.
Guard against moisture
Hearing aids, being technological devices, are vulnerable to moisture. Even minor exposure can lead to damage or a total malfunction of the device. Safeguard your hearing aid’s functionality by acquiring a specialized drying device to maintain its functionality by getting rid of moisture. This unit provides a secure and dry atmosphere for your hearing aid when not in use, safeguarding it from damage caused by unwanted moisture.
To protect your hearing aid from water damage, it’s a good plan to take it out before participating in activities that make you sweat heavily. Consult taking off your hearing aid to workout, particularly outside, with your hearing specialist, as doing so may jeopardize your safety by reducing your recognition of important auditory cues, including traffic noises or warning alarms. If possible, opt to exercise inside where it is safer to take out your hearing aid, and make sure to remove your device before showering or swimming.
Moreover, it is suggested to avoid using spray deodorants, hairspray, and any other aerosol products when your hearing aid is in use. These products consist of moisture and chemicals that can build up on the device, resulting in long-term damage. In order to decrease exposure, use these kinds of products before putting in your hearing aids.
Prevent excessive ear wax accumulation
While earwax serves as a natural barrier, shielding your ears from debris, dirt, and small insects, it can also hamper the proper performance of your hearing aid. Earwax can accumulate in the device, causing it to malfunction. For correct maintenance, make an appointment with your audiologist or doctor to assess the amount of earwax build-up and develop an individualized cleaning plan tailored to your ears and hearing device.
It is necessary to clean your ears safely and never put anything foreign into your ear canal. Alternatively, allow warm water to stream into your ears during showers, which can help break up and flush away some of the wax. Regular professional ear cleaning is also advisable. While this may seem inconvenient, it’s significantly less problematic than managing a malfunctioning hearing aid dued to excessive 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.
Easy methods to ensure lasting dependability
After you’ve grown familiar with wearing your hearing aids, they become an integral part of your life, making it difficult to conceive of managing without having them. By implementing a few basic safety strategies, you can protect your hearing aids from damage and preserve their reliability over the long term. Prioritize routine maintenance, store them safely, and handle them with care, ensuring you can continue to reap the benefits of improved communication and a more fulfilling lifestyle.
Schedule an appointment if you’re experiencing issues with your hearing aid or need to set up a regular maintenance appointment.