Once you’ve adjusted to life with your hearing aid, it becomes an important part of your day-to-day regimen. The idea of it breaking down can be challenging, not just because of the inconvenience but also because of the prospective cost of repairs or replacements.
How to best take care of your hearing aid
By recognizing the prospective hazards that can damage your hearing aid and taking measures to care for it properly, you can preserve its performance and continue to appreciate the improved quality of life it offers.
Practical care of batteries
The effectiveness of your hearing aid depends significantly on its battery. Therefore, choosing the appropriate batteries for your device is crucial. Consult with your hearing specialist to determine the ideal battery variety for your model.
Handling the batteries with care is equally important. The natural oils, dirt, and moisture on your skin can pass on to the batteries and cause contamination, jeopardizing their performance and potentially leading to damage.
Prior to switching out the battery, ensure your hands are clean and completely dry to prevent any moisture from entering the device.
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions meticulously, particularly regarding battery care. To extend the battery life of your hearing aid, be certain 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 helpful.
Make a note on your calendar every time you change the battery, so you can estimate when it will require changing again. To avoid being caught without power, always bring a spare battery with you, especially when you’re away from home.
Prevent moisture damage
As electronic technology, hearing aids are susceptible to moisture. Even nominal exposure can result in damage or a total malfunction of the device. Protect your hearing aid’s functionality by acquiring a specialized drying device to preserve its functionality by removing moisture. This device can securely store your hearing aid when it’s not in use, keeping it dry and free from moisture-related problems.
When participating in physical activities that trigger sweating, you may consider taking out 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 jeopardize your safety by reducing your recognition of essential auditory cues, including traffic noises or warning alarms. If necessary, opt for indoor exercise where it’s safer to be without your hearing aid, and always remember to remove your device before showering or swimming.
Also, avoid utilizing hairspray, spray deodorants, and other aerosol products while wearing your hearing aid. These products contain moisture and chemicals that can accumulate on the device, resulting in long-term damage. In order to reduce exposure, use these types of products before putting in your hearing aids.
Avoid excessive ear wax accumulation
Though earwax plays a protective role by keeping dust, insects, and other foreign debris out of your ears, it can pose a problem for your hearing aid. Earwax can build up in the device, causing it to malfunction. For proper maintenance, make an appointment with your audiologist or doctor to evaluate the amount of earwax build-up and develop an individualized cleaning plan tailored to your ears and hearing device.
Cleaning your ears safely is essential– never insert foreign objects into your ear canal. Instead, allow warm water to stream into your ears during showers, which can help break up and wash away some of the wax. Regular professional ear cleaning is also recommended. Though this might be a bit of a hassle, it’s a trivial issue in comparison to the disappointment and complications that can arise from a hearing aid that’s not functioning properly 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 are uncertain about how to clean your hearing aid correctly, it is recommended to seek guidance from your hearing specialist or hearing aid manufacturer.
Simple techniques to ensure lasting dependability
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 applying a few simple safety strategies, you can protect your hearing aids from harm and preserve their reliability over the long term. Prioritize regular upkeep, store them properly, 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 schedule a regular maintenance appointment.