How would you handle it if your hearing aid quit working at the worst possible moment. Like in the middle of a phone call?
Nobody wants that to occur! Your hearing aids are a significant investment in your hearing, happiness, and overall health. Keeping them working at maximum condition lets you obtain the greatest possible benefits from them.
The following are 7 tips to help you properly care for your hearing aids and keep them working at peak condition.
1. Read The Instructions
The most beneficial results will be accomplished when you use the manual that came with your hearing aids. Many technical challenges you may be having can be solved by the trouble-shooting guides that are included with these manuals.
Always go to the manual first if something isn’t working properly.
Any problems involving the performance of your hearing aid should be addressed in the manual. Modern hearing aids work differently than the older models so even if you’ve had hearing aids before this is important. Obviously, hearing aid technology has advanced substantially in recent years.
2. Keep Your Hearing Aids Clean
Hearing aids can provide a breeding ground for bacteria.
While there’s always some harmless bacteria on your skin, if you don’t wash your hands or properly clean the hearing aids, it can cause an infection.
Ear infections can lead to additional hearing issues. Most are temporary, but some can cause permanent damage.
After each use, wipe your hearing aids down with a dry cloth because bacteria bread faster on moist surfaces. Never put your hearing aids in water. Taking care not to get them too wet, utilize an alcohol-free wet wipe to disinfect and clean them.
Once every week, clean the hearing aid and any custom mold pieces thoroughly.
Routinely cleaning your hearing aids will help stop wax buildup on the earpiece.
3. Keep Your Hearing Aids Dry
Most hearing aids are not designed to get wet. Even high humidity can damage them. Don’t keep them on the nightstand after cleaning.
Hearing aids lying on a surface in your house will accumulate dust that contains bacteria.
Store your devices in a cool, dry place as outlined by the manufacturer’s guidelines. Before you go into the shower or take a bath, make sure you take them out. Keep your hearing aids out of the bathroom when you shower because there will be moisture in the air.
Take an umbrella with you if it’s raining.
Always bring your charger with you because your battery may drain faster if the air has moisture.
Heat can also damage hearing aids, so don’t expose them to a blow dryer, sauna, or other intense heat.
4. Avoid Draining The Battery
Keep your battery charged and bring a backup when you go to an important event.
When you take your hearing aids off to go to sleep, turn them all the way off. If you’re not going to wear them for a prolonged amount of time, always remove the battery. You’ll get more life out of the battery this way, and you’ll avoid the risk of battery acid damaging the hearing aid’s delicate electronics.
You can significantly extend the life of your batteries with this advice but always carry a spare battery, just in case.
5. Get a Hearing Professional to Clean Your Ears
A small amount of wax is pushed into your ear canal every time you insert your hearing aid. Voices will eventually begin to sound muffled as this earwax builds up. Make an appointment for a cleaning with your hearing specialist if your hearing seems dull and muted.
With the right tools and know-how, it’s a simple process. It should only be done by a trained professional with the expertise to take care of and service your hearing aids.
6. Insert Your Hearing Aids Over a Soft Surface
Taking the chance of dropping your hearing aid into the sink or toilet is really not worth it. This can definitely result in dropping the hearing aid and damaging it. Over a bed, couch, or soft folded towel would be a suitable place to insert them.
7. Talk to a Specialist if You’re Not Experiencing Better Hearing
If you aren’t having the best experience with your hearing aids, don’t discontinue wearing them. Your situation can be improved. Make an appointment to come see us for a hearing test.