Once you’ve adapted to life with your hearing aid, it becomes an important part 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 properly care for your hearing aid
Being aware of what can damage your hearing aid and knowing how to maintain it correctly will help you maintain its performance and ensure it continues to improve your quality of life.
Proper battery maintenance
The effectiveness of your hearing aid depends significantly on its battery. As a result, selecting the appropriate batteries for your device is crucial. Consult with your hearing specialist to figure out the best battery variety for your model.
Handling the batteries with care is equally important. Oils, dirt, and moisture from your hands can contaminate the batteries, resulting in potential damage.
Always wash your hands before swapping out the battery, and be certain they are completely dried to prevent introducing moisture into the device.
Adhere directly to the manufacturer’s instructions, particularly pertaining to battery upkeep. Power off your hearing aid when it’s not being used to preserve battery life and store it in a secure , dry place. Knowing the typical lifespan of a battery can also be quite helpful.
Note on your calendar when you replace the battery, so you can prepare for when it needs to be replaced. To avoid being caught without power, always carry a spare battery with you, especially when you’re away from home.
Guard against moisture
Hearing aids, being technological devices, are susceptible to moisture. Even nominal exposure can result in damage or a complete malfunction of the device. Protect your hearing aid’s functionality by acquiring a specialized drying device to preserve its functionality by getting rid of moisture. This device can securely store your hearing aid when it’s not being used, keeping it dry and free from moisture-related problems.
When participating in physical activities that cause sweating, you may think about removing your hearing aid to stop moisture damage. Consult taking off your hearing aid to exercise, especially outdoors, with your hearing specialist, as doing so may compromise your safety by decreasing your awareness of essential auditory cues, such as traffic noises or warning alarms. If possible, choose to exercise indoors where it is safer to take out your hearing aid, and make sure to remove your device before showering or swimming.
Additionally, avoid utilizing hairspray, spray deodorants, and other aerosol products while wearing your hearing aid. Extended exposure to these products can lead to harm to the device, as the moisture and chemicals they consist of can accumulate and result in lasting degredation over time. Use these products before putting on your hearing aid to decrease exposure.
Prevent excessive ear wax accumulation
While earwax serves as a natural shield, protecting your ears from debris, dirt, and tiny insects, it can also interfere with the effective performance of 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 assess the level of earwax buildup and create an appropriate cleaning routine for both your ears and your hearing aid.
Cleaning your ears safely is vital– never insert any objects into your ear canal. Instead, allow warm water to stream into your ears during showers, which can help disperse and flush away some of the wax. Routine professional ear cleaning is also advisable. Though this might be a bit of a hassle, it’s a minor problem in comparison to the disappointment and problems that can arise from a hearing aid that’s not working effectively due to 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.
Simple techniques to ensure lasting reliability
Once you get used to using your hearing aids, they become a crucial facet of your day-to-day routine, making it difficult to picture life without them. By implementing a few simple safety measures, you can protect your hearing aids from harm and preserve their reliability over the long term. Regular maintenance, proper storage, and cautious handling are key to keeping your hearing aids in optimum condition, allowing you to keep enjoying the improved quality of life they provide.
Make an appointment if you’re experiencing issues with your hearing aid or need to set up a regular maintenance appointment.