Once you’ve adapted to life with your hearing aid, it becomes an indispensable part of your everyday routine. The thought of it breaking down can be intimidating, not simply because of the inconvenience but also due to the prospective expense of repairs or replacements.
How to properly take care of your hearing aid
Understanding what can damage your hearing aid and knowing how to maintain it effectively will help you maintain its functionality and ensure it continues to improve your quality of life.
Practical upkeep of batteries
The effectiveness of your hearing aid relies significantly on its battery. As a result, choosing the correct batteries for your device is crucial. Talk to your hearing specialist to figure out the ideal battery type for your model.
Handling the batteries with care is just as important. The natural oils, dirt, and moisture on your skin can pass on to the batteries and result in contamination, compromising their functionality and potentially causing damage.
Always wash your hands before changing the battery, and make sure they are completely dried to prevent introducing moisture into the device.
Adhere to the manufacturer’s instructions diligently, especially regarding battery care. Power off your hearing aid when it’s not in use to preserve battery life and keep it in a safe, dry place. Familiarizing yourself with the battery’s typical lifespan is also beneficial.
Make a note on your calendar each time you change the battery, so you can predict when it will need changing again. It’s crucial to have a spare battery with you at all times, particularly when you are not at home, in order to prevent being left without power unexpectedly.
Protect against moisture
Hearing aids, being electronic devices, are vulnerable to moisture. Even minor exposure can lead to damage or a complete breakdown of the device. Safeguard your hearing aid’s performance by acquiring a specialized drying device to preserve its functionality by eliminating moisture. This device can securely store your hearing aid when it’s not in use, keeping it dry and free from moisture-related issues.
When engaging in physical activities that cause sweating, you may consider removing your hearing aid to stop moisture damage. Consult taking off your hearing aid to exercise, especially outdoors, with your hearing specialist, as doing so could jeopardize your safety by decreasing your recognition of essential auditory cues, including traffic noises or warning alarms. If possible, choose to exercise indoors where it is safer to take out your hearing aid, and make sure to remove your device before bathing or swimming.
Furthermore, it is suggested to avoid using spray deodorants, hairspray, and any other aerosol products when your hearing aid is in your ear. Extended exposure to these products can cause harm to the device, as the moisture and chemicals they consist of can build up and result in permanent degredation over time. In order to reduce exposure, use these types of products before putting in your hearing aids.
Manage earwax buildup
Though earwax plays a protective role by keeping dust, insects, and other foreign debris out of your ears, it can present a problem for your hearing aid. Earwax can accumulate in the device, causing it to malfunction. To manage this, have your ears examined by your hearing specialist or physician to assess the level of earwax buildup and create an appropriate cleaning routine for both your ears and your hearing aid.
It is important 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 flush 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 far less troublesome than dealing with a malfunctioning hearing aid dued to excessive 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 are uncertain about how to clean your hearing aid correctly, it is recommended to seek guidance from your hearing specialist or hearing aid manufacturer.
Basic steps for long-term dependability
After you’ve grown accustomed to wearing your hearing aids, they become an essential part of your life, making it hard to envision managing without having them. By taking a few simple precautions, you can prevent damage and ensure your hearing aids remain reliable for years to come. Regular upkeep, proper storage, and careful handling are key to keeping your hearing aids in optimal condition, allowing you to keep enjoying the improved quality of life they supply.
If you are having problems with your hearing aid or need to book a routine maintenance appointment, please arrange for a visit.