Once you’ve adjusted to life with your hearing aid, it becomes an important part of your everyday routine. The idea of it malfunctioning can be daunting, not just because of the inconvenience but also because of the potential expense of repairs or replacements.
How to best maintain your hearing aid
Recognizing what can damage your hearing aid and learning how to care for it effectively will help you maintain its performance and ensure it continues to improve your quality of life.
Proper battery maintenance
The effectiveness of your hearing aid relies substantially on its battery. As a result, picking the appropriate batteries for your device is crucial. Talk to your hearing specialist to figure out the ideal battery type for your model.
It is equally significant to handle the batteries with care. The natural oils, dirt, and moisture on your skin can transfer to the batteries and cause contamination, compromising their performance and potentially leading to damage.
Always wash your hands before changing the battery, and make sure they are completely dried to prevent introducing moisture into the device.
Adhere to the manufacturer’s guidelines meticulously, especially regarding battery care. To prolong the battery life of your hearing aid, be certain to power it off when not wearing it and keep it stored in a secure, dry spot. Familiarizing yourself with the battery’s typical lifespan is also worthwhile.
Note on your calendar when you change the battery, so you can anticipate when it needs to be switched out. To avoid being stuck without power, always carry a spare battery with you, particularly when you’re away from home.
Guard against moisture
As electronic devices, hearing aids are susceptible to moisture. Even brief contact can bring about harm or total failure of the device. To protect your hearing aid, think about purchasing a dehumidifier developed specifically for hearing aids. This device can securely 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 moisture damage, it’s a good idea to take it out before participating in activities that make you sweat heavily. Consult taking off your hearing aid to exercise, especially outside, with your hearing specialist, as doing so could jeopardize your safety by reducing your awareness of essential auditory cues, including traffic noises or warning alarms. If necessary, opt for 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.
Also, avoid utilizing hairspray, spray deodorants, and other aerosol products while wearing your hearing aid. These products consist of moisture and chemicals that can accumulate on the device, resulting in long-term damage. Apply these products before putting on your hearing aid to reduce exposure.
Avoid excessive ear wax accumulation
While earwax serves as a natural shield, protecting your ears from debris, dirt, and small insects, it can also hamper the proper performance of your hearing aid. Earwax can accumulate in the device, causing it to breakdown. For proper maintenance, schedule 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 important to clean your ears carefully and never put anything foreign into your ear canal. As opposed to that, let warm water enter your ears while you are showering. This can assist in breaking down and removing some of the earwax. It is also suggested to have your ears cleaned regularly by a professional. While this might seem inconvenient, it’s much less problematic than managing a malfunctioning hearing aid dued to 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 techniques to ensure lasting reliability
Once you get used to using your hearing aids, they become a crucial aspect of your daily routine, making it hard to envision life without them. By using a few easy precautions, you can prevent damage and ensure your hearing aids continue to be reliable for years to come. Prioritize regular upkeep, store them safely, and handle them with care, ensuring you can continue to reap the benefits of improved communication and a more fulfilling lifestyle.
If you are having problems with your hearing aid or need to book a routine maintenance appointment, please arrange for a visit.
