Once you’ve adapted to life with your hearing aid, it becomes an important part of your everyday regimen. The thought of it malfunctioning can be challenging, not only because of the inconvenience but also due to the prospective cost of repairs or replacements.
How to properly take care of your hearing aid
Comprehending what can damage your hearing aid and learning how to care for it correctly will help you maintain its performance and ensure it continues to enrich your quality of life.
Proper battery care
The performance of your hearing aid depends significantly on its battery. Therefore, selecting 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.
Handling the batteries with care is equally important. Oils, dirt, and moisture from your hands can contaminate the batteries, leading to potential damage.
Always clean your hands before swapping out the battery, and be certain they are thoroughly dried to avoid introducing moisture into the device.
Stick directly to the manufacturer’s instructions, especially pertaining to battery upkeep. To prolong the battery life of your hearing aid, be certain to power it down when not using it and keep it stored in a safe , dry spot. Knowing the typical lifespan of a battery can also be quite helpful.
Note on your calendar when you change the battery, so you can prepare for when it needs to be replaced. To avoid being caught without power, always bring a spare battery with you, particularly when you’re away from home.
Prevent moisture damage
As electronic devices, hearing aids are vulnerable to moisture. Even slight contact can bring about harm or total failure of the device. To safeguard your hearing aid, consider purchasing a dehumidifier designed specifically for hearing aids. This device can securely store your hearing aid when it’s not in use, keeping it dry and free from moisture-related problems.
When participating in physical activities that cause sweating, you may think about removing your hearing aid to stop moisture damage. However, speak with your hearing specialist first, as taking out your hearing aid during exercise, particularly outdoors, might pose safety risks by limiting your ability to hear environmental 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 take out your device before showering or going for a swim.
Also, avoid utilizing hairspray, spray deodorants, and other aerosol products while wearing your hearing aid. These products contain moisture and chemicals that can accumulate on the device, leading to long-term damage. Use these products before putting on your hearing aid to reduce exposure.
Avoid excessive ear wax accumulation
Although earwax plays a defensive role by keeping dust, insects, and other foreign debris out of your ears, it can pose a challenge for your hearing aid. Earwax can accumulate in the device, causing it to fail. To manage this, have your ears checked out by your hearing specialist or physician to evaluate 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 stream into your ears in the course of showers, which can help break up and wash away some of the wax. Regular professional ear cleaning is also advisable. While this may seem inconvenient, it’s far less problematic 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.
Easy techniques to ensure lasting dependability
After you’ve become familiar with wearing your hearing aids, they become an essential part of your life, making it hard to conceive of managing without them. By applying a few basic safety measures, you can protect your hearing aids from harm and maintain their reliability over the long run. Prioritize regular maintenance, store them properly, and handle them with care, ensuring you can continue to reap the benefits of improved communication and a more fulfilling lifestyle.
Schedule an appointment if you’re experiencing problems with your hearing aid or need to set up a regular maintenance appointment.