Once you’ve adjusted to life with your hearing aid, it becomes an indispensable part of your day-to-day regimen. The likelihood of a malfunction can be distressing, as it causes not only a disruption to everyday life, but also a significant monetary burden in the form of repair or replacement expenses.
Tips for caring for and maximizing your hearing aid functionality
Recognizing 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.
Practical care of batteries
Your hearing aid’s performance is heavily dependent on its battery. Thus, it is essential to pick the right batteries for your device. Consult with your audiologist to find out which battery type is most suitable for your specific hearing aid model.
It is equally important to handle the batteries with care. The natural oils, dirt, and moisture on your skin can transfer to the batteries and cause contamination, jeopardizing their performance and potentially causing damage.
Always clean your hands before swapping out the battery, and be certain they are thoroughly dried to avoid introducing moisture into the device.
Follow 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. Familiarizing yourself with the battery’s normal lifespan is also helpful.
Make a note on your calendar each 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, specifically when you are not at home, in order to prevent being stuck without power all of a sudden.
Prevent moisture damage
As electronic technology, hearing aids are susceptible to moisture. Even brief contact can cause harm or complete failure of the device. To safeguard your hearing aid, think about investing in a dehumidifier developed specifically for hearing aids. This device can safely store your hearing aid when it’s not in use, keeping it dry and free from moisture-related problems.
To safeguard your hearing aid from water damage, it’s a smart plan to take it out before taking part in activities that make you sweat heavily. Consult taking off your hearing aid to workout, particularly outdoors, with your hearing specialist, as doing so could compromise your safety by reducing your recognition of important 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.
Also, avoid utilizing hairspray, spray deodorants, and other aerosol items while wearing your hearing aid. These products contain moisture and chemicals that can build up on the device, resulting in long-term damage. In order to reduce exposure, use these types of products before putting in your hearing aids.
Control earwax buildup
While earwax serves as a natural barrier, protecting your ears from debris, dirt, and tiny insects, it can also hamper the proper functioning of your hearing aid. The buildup of earwax in the device can result in it not working correctly. For proper maintenance, make an appointment with your audiologist or doctor to assess the amount of earwax accumulation and establish a personalized 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. Instead, allow warm water to flow into your ears in the course of showers, which can help break up and wash away some of the wax. It is also recommended to have your ears cleaned routinely by a professional. While this may seem inconvenient, it’s significantly less problematic than managing a malfunctioning hearing aid dued to excessive earwax.
When it comes to cleaning your hearing aid, follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
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.
Simple methods to ensure lasting reliability
Once you get used to wearing your hearing aids, they become a critical aspect of your daily routine, making it difficult to envision life without them. By taking a few easy precautions, you can prevent damage and ensure your hearing aids continue to be reliable for years to come. Prioritize routine upkeep, store them safely, and handle them with care, ensuring you can continue to reap the benefits of improved communication and a more fulfilling lifestyle.
Make an appointment if you’re experiencing problems with your hearing aid or need to set up a regular maintenance appointment.
