Once you’ve adapted to life with your hearing aid, it becomes an important part of your everyday regimen. The likelihood of a breakdown can be distressing, as it presents not just a disruption to everyday life, but also a significant financial burden in the form of repair or replacement costs.
Tips for caring for and optimizing your hearing aid functionality
Recognizing what can damage your hearing aid and knowing how to maintain it properly will help you maintain its performance and ensure it continues to enhance your quality of life.
Proper battery maintenance
The performance of your hearing aid depends substantially on its battery. Therefore, choosing the correct batteries for your hearing aid is essential. Discuss with your audiologist to find out which battery type is most suitable for your specific hearing aid model.
It is just as significant to handle the batteries with care. Oils, dirt, and moisture from your hands can contaminate the batteries, resulting in potential damage.
Before replacing the battery, ensure your hands are clean and totally dry to prevent any moisture from entering the device.
Adhere directly to the manufacturer’s directions, especially regarding battery upkeep. To increase the battery life of your hearing aid, make sure to power it down when not using it and keep it stored in a safe , dry location. Knowing the typical lifespan of a battery can also be very helpful.
Mark on your calendar when you replace the battery, so you can prepare for when it needs to be switched out. It’s crucial to have a fresh battery with you at all times, particularly when you are not at home, in order to prevent being left without power all of a sudden.
Minimize the risk of moisture damage
Hearing aids, being electronic devices, are vulnerable to moisture. Even brief contact can bring about harm or complete failure of the device. Protect your hearing aid’s functionality by acquiring a specialized drying device to preserve its functionality by getting rid of moisture. This device can securely store your hearing aid when it’s not being used, keeping it dry and free from moisture-related problems.
When participating in physical activities that cause sweating, you might think about taking out your hearing aid to prevent moisture damage. However, consult your hearing specialist first, as taking out your hearing aid during exercise, especially outdoors, may pose safety risks by limiting your ability to hear external sounds like traffic or alarms. If necessary, go with indoor exercise where it’s safer to be without your hearing aid, and always remember to remove your device before showering or going for a swim.
Furthermore, it is suggested to refrain from using spray deodorants, hairspray, and any other aerosol products when your hearing aid is in your ear. These products consist of moisture and chemicals that can build up on the device, leading to long-term damage. In order to minimize exposure, use these types of products before putting in your hearing aids.
Avoid excessive ear wax accumulation
Though earwax plays a defensive role by keeping dust, insects, and other foreign particles out of your ears, it can present a problem for your hearing aid. Earwax can build up in the device, causing it to malfunction. To manage this, have your ears examined by your hearing specialist or doctor to assess the level of earwax buildup and create an appropriate cleaning routine for both your ears and your hearing aid.
Cleaning your ears safely is vital– never insert any objects into your ear canal. As opposed to that, let warm water go into your ears while you shower. This can assist in breaking down and eliminating some of the earwax. Routine professional ear cleaning is also advisable. While this may seem inconvenient, it’s much less troublesome than managing a malfunctioning hearing aid caused by excessive 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’re unsure about the proper cleaning method, consult your hearing specialist or hearing aid provider to ensure you’re taking the correct steps to protect your device from earwax damage.
Easy methods to ensure lasting reliability
Once you get used to wearing your hearing aids, they become a crucial aspect of your day-to-day routine, making it difficult to picture life without them. By applying a few basic safety strategies, you can protect your hearing aids from harm and preserve their reliability over the long term. Regular upkeep, appropriate storage, and cautious handling are essential to keeping your hearing aids in optimum condition, allowing you to keep enjoying the enhanced quality of life they provide.
If you are having problems with your hearing aid or need to schedule a routine maintenance appointment, please arrange for a visit.