After you have become familiar with wearing your hearing aid, it becomes a crucial element of your day-to-day routine. The likelihood of a malfunction can be distressing, as it poses not only a disruption to everyday life, but also a considerable monetary burden in the form of repair or replacement costs.
Tips for maintaining and optimizing your hearing aid functionality
Recognizing what can damage your hearing aid and knowing how to care for it properly will help you maintain its performance and ensure it continues to enhance your quality of life.
Proper battery upkeep
The performance of your hearing aid depends substantially on its battery. As a result, selecting the appropriate batteries for your hearing aid is essential. Consult with your hearing specialist to determine the best battery variety for your model.
It is just as significant to handle the batteries carefully. Oils, dirt, and moisture from your hands can contaminate the batteries, resulting in potential damage.
Prior to switching out the battery, make sure your hands are clean and totally dry to prevent any moisture from entering the device.
Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines diligently, particularly concerning battery care. Turn off your hearing aid when it’s not being used to protect battery life and store it in a secure , dry place. Familiarizing yourself with the battery’s typical lifespan is also beneficial.
Make a note on your calendar every time you change the battery, so you can estimate when it will require changing again. To avoid being caught without power, always bring a spare battery with you, particularly when you’re away from home.
Prevent moisture damage
Hearing aids, being technological devices, are susceptible to moisture. Even nominal exposure can result in damage or a total breakdown of the device. To protect your hearing aid, think about purchasing a dehumidifier developed specifically for hearing aids. This device provides a safe and dry environment for your hearing aid when not in use, safeguarding it from damage caused by excessive moisture.
To protect your hearing aid from moisture damage, it’s a smart idea to take it out before taking part in activities that make you sweat heavily. Consult taking off your hearing aid to workout, particularly outdoors, with your hearing specialist, as doing so may compromise your safety by reducing your awareness of essential auditory cues, including traffic noises or warning alarms. If possible, opt to exercise indoors where it is safer to take out your hearing aid, and make sure to remove your device before showering or swimming.
Furthermore, 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 lead to harm to the device, as the moisture and chemicals they consist of can build up and lead to lasting deterioration over time. Use these products before putting on your hearing aid to reduce exposure.
Control earwax buildup
While earwax serves as a natural barrier, protecting your ears from debris, dirt, and tiny insects, it can also hamper the proper performance of your hearing aid. Earwax can build up in the device, causing it to breakdown. For proper maintenance, make an appointment with your audiologist or doctor to assess the amount of earwax accumulation and develop a customized cleaning plan suited to your ears and hearing device.
It is necessary to clean your ears safely and never put anything foreign into your ear canal. Instead of that, let warm water go into your ears while you are showering. This can help in losening up and eliminating some of the earwax. It is also suggested to have your ears cleaned regularly by a professional. Though this may be a bit of a hassle, it’s a trivial issue in comparison to the disappointment and problems that can occur 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.
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 reliability
After you’ve become familiar with wearing your hearing aids, they become an indispensable part of your life, making it difficult to envision managing without having them. By taking a few easy precautions, you can prevent damage and ensure your hearing aids continue to be reliable for years to come. Routine upkeep, proper storage, and cautious handling are essential to keeping your hearing aids in optimum condition, allowing you to continue enjoying the enhanced quality of life they provide.
If you are having problems with your hearing aid or need to book a routine maintenance appointment, please arrange for a visit.
