Once you’ve adjusted to life with your hearing aid, it becomes an important part of your daily regimen. The likelihood of a malfunction can be unsettling, as it causes not just a disturbance to everyday life, but also a significant monetary burden in the form of repair or replacement costs.
How to best maintain your hearing aid
Recognizing what can damage your hearing aid and knowing how to maintain it properly will help you maintain its functionality and ensure it continues to improve your quality of life.
Effective upkeep of batteries
Your hearing aid’s functionality is heavily dependent on its battery. Thus, it is important to choose the correct batteries for your device. Consult with your hearing specialist to determine the ideal battery variety for your model.
Handling the batteries with care is just as important. The natural oils, dirt, and moisture on your skin can transfer to the batteries and cause contamination, jeopardizing their functionality and potentially leading to damage.
Always clean your hands before swapping out the battery, and make sure they are thoroughly dried to avoid introducing moisture into the device.
Adhere to the manufacturer’s instructions meticulously, especially regarding battery care. Turn off your hearing aid when it’s not being used to preserve battery life and keep it in a secure , dry place. Knowing the typical lifespan of a battery can also be quite handy.
Note 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, specifically when you are not at home, in order to prevent being left without power unexpectedly.
Guard against moisture
Hearing aids, being technological devices, are susceptible to moisture. Even nominal exposure can lead to damage or a complete malfunction of the device. To safeguard your hearing aid, think about investing in a dehumidifier developed specifically for hearing aids. This device can safely store your hearing aid when it’s not being used, keeping it dry and free from moisture-related issues.
To safeguard your hearing aid from water damage, it’s a smart plan to take it out before taking part in activities that make you sweat heavily. Consult taking off your hearing aid to exercise, particularly outdoors, with your hearing specialist, as doing so could jeopardize your safety by decreasing your recognition of important auditory cues, such as traffic noises or warning 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.
Moreover, it is suggested to refrain from using spray deodorants, hairspray, and any other aerosol products when your hearing aid is in use. Prolonged exposure to these products can cause harm to the device, as the moisture and chemicals they consist of can accumulate and lead to lasting deterioration over time. In order to reduce exposure, use these kinds of products before putting in your hearing aids.
Manage earwax buildup
Although earwax serves as a natural barrier, shielding your ears from debris, dirt, and tiny insects, it can also interfere with the proper functioning of your hearing aid. Earwax can accumulate in the device, causing it to fail. To control this, have your ears examined by your hearing specialist or doctor to evaluate the level of earwax buildup and create an appropriate cleaning routine for both your ears and your hearing aid.
Cleaning your ears safely is crucial– never insert any objects into your ear canal. As opposed to that, let warm water go into your ears while you shower. This can help in losening up and removing some of the earwax. Regular professional ear cleaning is also recommended. While this might seem inconvenient, it’s much 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.
Simple steps for lasting dependability
After you’ve grown familiar with wearing your hearing aids, they become an indispensable part of your life, making it hard to envision managing without them. By incorporating a few simple safety measures, you can safeguard your hearing aids from damage and preserve their reliability over the long run. Prioritize routine upkeep, store them safely, and handle them with care, ensuring you can continue to reap the benefits of enhanced communication and a more satisfying lifestyle.
If you are having problems with your hearing aid or need to schedule a routine maintenance appointment, please arrange for a visit.