After you have become accustomed to wearing your hearing aid, it becomes an essential element of your daily schedule. The idea of it breaking down can be daunting, not only because of the inconvenience but also because of the prospective expense of repairs or replacements.
Tips for maintaining and optimizing your hearing aid performance
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 enhance your quality of life.
Proper battery maintenance
The effectiveness of your hearing aid depends greatly on its battery. Hence, it is essential to choose the right batteries for your device. Consult with your hearing specialist to determine the ideal battery variety for your model.
Handling the batteries with care is just as important. Oils, dirt, and moisture from your hands can contaminate the batteries, causing potential damage.
Prior to switching out the battery, ensure your hands are clean and completely dry to prevent any moisture from getting into the device.
Stick directly to the manufacturer’s instructions, especially pertaining to battery maintenance. To extend the battery life of your hearing aid, make sure to power it off when not wearing it and keep it stored in a secure, dry location. Knowing the typical lifespan of a battery can also be really handy.
Note on your calendar when you change the battery, so you can anticipate when it needs to be switched out. It’s crucial to have a fresh battery with you at all times, particularly when you are not at home, in order to prevent being left without power unexpectedly.
Guard against moisture
Hearing aids, being technological devices, are susceptible to moisture. Even brief contact can cause harm or complete failure of the device. To protect your hearing aid, think about investing in a dehumidifier designed specifically for hearing aids. This device can securely store your hearing aid when it’s not in use, keeping it dry and free from moisture-related problems.
When engaging in physical activities that trigger sweating, you might consider removing your hearing aid to prevent moisture damage. However, speak with your hearing specialist first, as taking out your hearing aid during exercise, especially outdoors, might pose safety risks by reducing your ability to hear environmental sounds like traffic or 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. These products contain moisture and chemicals that can accumulate on the device, leading to long-term damage. In order to minimize exposure, use these types of products before putting in your hearing aids.
Avoid 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 proper functioning of your hearing aid. The buildup of earwax in the device can result in it not functioning properly. To control this, have your ears checked out by your hearing specialist or doctor to evaluate the level of earwax buildup and create an appropriate cleaning routine for both your ears and your hearing aid.
Cleaning your ears safely is essential– never insert foreign objects into your ear canal. Instead of that, let warm water enter your ears while you shower. This can assist in breaking down and removing some of the earwax. Regular professional ear cleaning is also advisable. While this may seem inconvenient, it’s significantly less troublesome than managing a malfunctioning hearing aid caused by excessive earwax.
To properly clean your hearing aid, carefully adhere to the guidelines provided by the manufacturer.
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
After you’ve grown familiar with wearing your hearing aids, they become an indispensable part of your life, making it hard to envision managing without having them. By implementing a few simple safety measures, you can safeguard your hearing aids from damage and maintain their reliability over the long run. Regular maintenance, appropriate storage, and cautious handling are key to keeping your hearing aids in optimum condition, allowing you to continue enjoying the enhanced quality of life they provide.
Schedule an appointment if you’re experiencing issues with your hearing aid or need to schedule a regular maintenance appointment.
