After you have become familiar with wearing your hearing aid, it becomes a crucial element of your day-to-day routine. The idea of it malfunctioning can be intimidating, not simply because of the inconvenience but also because of the potential expense of repairs or replacements.
Tips for caring for and optimizing your hearing aid performance
Understanding what can damage your hearing aid and learning how to maintain it properly will help you maintain its performance and ensure it continues to enhance your quality of life.
Effective care of batteries
Your hearing aid’s performance is highly dependent on its battery. Hence, it is essential to choose the correct 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 just as important to handle the batteries with care. Oils, dirt, and moisture from your hands can contaminate the batteries, resulting in potential damage.
Prior to switching out the battery, ensure your hands are clean and totally dry to prevent any moisture from entering the device.
Stick directly to the manufacturer’s directions, especially pertaining to battery maintenance. To increase the battery life of your hearing aid, make sure to power it down when not wearing it and keep it stored in a safe , dry spot. Knowing the average lifespan of a battery can also be really helpful.
Make a note on your calendar each time you replace the battery, so you can predict when it will require changing again. 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.
Protect against moisture
As electronic technology, hearing aids are vulnerable to moisture. Even brief contact can bring about harm or complete failure of the device. To safeguard your hearing aid, consider investing in a dehumidifier developed specifically for hearing aids. This device can securely store your hearing aid when it’s not being used, keeping it dry and free from moisture-related issues.
To protect your hearing aid from moisture damage, it’s a smart plan to take it out before participating in activities that make you perspire heavily. Having said that, speak with your hearing specialist first, as taking out your hearing aid during exercise, particularly outdoors, may pose safety concerns by reducing your ability to hear environmental sounds like traffic or alarms. If possible, choose to exercise inside where it is safer to take out your hearing aid, and make sure to remove your device before bathing or swimming.
Moreover, it is recommended to avoid using spray deodorants, hairspray, and any other aerosol products when your hearing aid is in your ear. Prolonged exposure to these products can lead to harm to the device, as the moisture and chemicals they consist of can accumulate and result in permanent degredation over time. In order to decrease exposure, use these kinds of products before putting in your hearing aids.
Control earwax buildup
Although earwax serves as a natural barrier, protecting your ears from debris, dirt, and small insects, it can also interfere with the proper functioning of your hearing aid. Earwax can accumulate in the device, causing it to breakdown. For correct maintenance, make an appointment with your audiologist or doctor to assess the amount of earwax build-up and establish a customized cleaning plan suited to your ears and hearing device.
It is important to clean your ears safely and never put anything foreign into your ear canal. Instead of that, let warm water go into your ears while you are showering. This can help in breaking down and eliminating some of the earwax. Regular professional ear cleaning is also advisable. Even though this might be a bit of a hassle, it’s a minor issue in comparison to the disappointment and problems that can arise from a hearing aid that’s not working properly 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.
Simple techniques to ensure lasting reliability
Once you get used to wearing your hearing aids, they become a crucial facet of your daily routine, making it difficult to envision life without them. By implementing a few basic safety measures, you can safeguard your hearing aids from damage and maintain their reliability over the long run. Regular upkeep, appropriate storage, and careful handling are key to keeping your hearing aids in optimum condition, allowing you to keep enjoying the improved quality of life they provide.
If you are having difficulties with your hearing aid or need to schedule a routine maintenance appointment, please arrange for a visit.
