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 malfunctioning can be intimidating, not just because of the inconvenience but also thanks to the potential expense of repairs or replacements.
How to best take care of your hearing aid
Comprehending what can damage your hearing aid and knowing how to care for it effectively will help you maintain its performance and ensure it continues to enrich your quality of life.
Effective upkeep of batteries
Your hearing aid’s performance is heavily dependent on its battery. Therefore, choosing the appropriate batteries for your device is essential. Consult with your audiologist to find out which battery type is most suitable for your specific hearing aid model.
It is equally significant to handle the batteries with care. Oils, dirt, and moisture from your hands can contaminate the batteries, causing potential damage.
Prior to replacing the battery, ensure your hands are clean and totally dry to keep any moisture from entering the device.
Adhere directly to the manufacturer’s instructions, especially regarding battery maintenance. Power off your hearing aid when it’s not being used to preserve battery life and keep it in a secure , dry place. Familiarizing yourself with the battery’s typical lifespan is also helpful.
Mark on your calendar when you change the battery, so you can anticipate when it needs to be replaced. It’s essential to have a spare battery with you at all times, particularly when you are not at home, in order to prevent being stuck without power unexpectedly.
Guard against moisture
As electronic technology, hearing aids are susceptible to moisture. Even brief contact can cause harm or complete failure of the device. Protect your hearing aid’s functionality by purchasing a specialized drying device to preserve its functionality by removing moisture. This unit provides a secure and dry atmosphere for your hearing aid when not in use, safeguarding it from damage related to unwanted moisture.
To safeguard your hearing aid from moisture damage, it’s a smart idea to take it out before taking part in activities that make you perspire heavily. Having said that, consult your hearing specialist first, as removing your hearing aid during exercise, particularly outdoors, might pose safety risks by reducing your ability to hear external sounds like traffic or 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.
Additionally, avoid utilizing hairspray, spray deodorants, and other aerosol items while wearing your hearing aid. These products consist of moisture and chemicals that can accumulate on the device, causing long-term damage. Use these products before putting on your hearing aid to decrease exposure.
Manage earwax buildup
Although earwax serves as a natural shield, shielding your ears from debris, dirt, and small insects, it can also interfere with the proper performance of your hearing aid. Earwax can build up in the device, causing it to breakdown. For correct maintenance, schedule an appointment with your audiologist or doctor to evaluate the amount of earwax build-up and establish an individualized cleaning plan tailored to your ears and hearing device.
Cleaning your ears safely is vital– never insert foreign objects into your ear canal. Alternatively, allow warm water to flow into your ears in the course of showers, which can help disperse and flush away some of the wax. It is also suggested to have your ears cleaned routinely by a professional. Though this might be a bit of a hassle, it’s a minor concern 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.
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 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 integral part of your life, making it difficult to conceive of managing without them. By incorporating a few simple safety strategies, you can safeguard your hearing aids from harm and preserve their reliability over the long term. Prioritize routine maintenance, store them safely, and handle them with care, ensuring you can continue to reap the benefits of improved communication and a more satisfying lifestyle.
Schedule an appointment if you’re experiencing issues with your hearing aid or need to schedule a regular maintenance appointment.