What would you do if your hearing aids stopped working at a time when you most needed them. Such as in the middle of a phone call?
That’s not something anyone wants! Your hearing aids are an important investment in your hearing, happiness, and general health. Keeping them working at maximum condition lets you obtain the greatest possible advantages from them.
You can correctly take care of your hearing aids and keep them functioning in peak condition by following these 7 tips.
1. Understand The Instructions
The most beneficial results will be achieved when you make use of the manual that came with your hearing aids. These manuals usually include troubleshooting guides that will help you address many technical challenges.
Always check out the manual first if something isn’t working correctly.
Any problems associated with the performance of your hearing aid should be addressed in the manual. Newer 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 progressed substantially in recent years.
2. Keep Your Hearing Aids Clean
Hearing aids can provide a breeding ground for bacteria.
If you don’t clean and disinfect your hearing aids and wash your hands before you handle them, an ear infection can occur.
Ear infections can cause additional hearing issues. Some of these problems are short lived but permanent damage can also happen.
Bacteria prefer moist surfaces, so wipe each hearing aid with a dry cloth before and after each use. 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.
Clean them thoroughly once every week, including any custom mold pieces.
The earpiece will remain free of any wax accumulation with frequent cleaning.
3. Don’t Allow Your Hearing Aids Get Wet
Most hearing aids are not made to get wet. They can even be damaged by high humidity. Don’t leave them on the nightstand after cleaning.
Hearing aids sitting on a surface in your home will accumulate dust that contains bacteria.
Keep your devices in a cool, dry place as outlined by the manufacturer’s guidelines. Don’t forget to take them out before you bathe or shower. Leave your hearing aids in another room during your shower because there will be moisture in the air.
When it’s raining, carry an umbrella.
Always bring your charger with you because your battery may drain faster if there’s moisture in the air.
Don’t allow your hearing aid to be exposed to intense heat, such as a blow dryer or sauna, because that can also do damage to them.
4. Keep The Battery Charged
Don’t get caught without a spare battery at your nephew’s piano recital.
Turn your hearing aids completely off before you go to bed. If you plan on not wearing them for an extended amount of time, always take out the battery. If you let your hearing aids sit for long time periods with the battery in them, the life of the battery can be diminished and their delicate electronics can be damaged by battery acid.
The life of your battery can be substantially extended by adhering to these guidelines but it doesn’t hurt to bring a spare along, just in case.
5. Have Your Ears Cleaned Professionally
A small amount of wax is pushed into your ear canal each time you put your hearing aid in. If you let this earwax build up, it might eventually cause voices to sound distorted. If your hearing experience doesn’t seem correct, schedule an appointment with a hearing professional to check for excessive earwax buildup.
With the right tools and know-how, it’s a simple procedure. A hearing professional should be the only individual who performs this procedure.
6. When You’re Putting in Your Hearing Aids, do it Over a Soft Surface
Don’t risk dropping your hearing aids in the toilet or sink. This can definitely lead to dropping the hearing aid and breaking it. Over a couch, bed, or soft folded towel would be a suitable place to insert them.
7. If You’re Not Experiencing Improved Hearing, Speak to a Specialist
You need to continue to wear your hearing aids even if you aren’t currently having the best success. Your situation can be enhanced. Schedule an appointment to come see us.