Once you’ve adjusted to life with your hearing aid, it becomes an important part of your daily routine. The thought of it breaking down can be challenging, not only because of the hassle but also due to the prospective expense of repairs or replacements.
How to best maintain your hearing aid
Understanding 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 improve your quality of life.
Proper battery care
Your hearing aid’s performance is highly dependent on its battery. Hence, it is important to choose the right batteries for your device. Speak with your hearing specialist to determine the best battery type for your model.
Handling the batteries with care is equally important. The natural oils, dirt, and moisture on your skin can pass on to the batteries and result in contamination, jeopardizing their performance and potentially causing damage.
Before switching out the battery, ensure your hands are clean and totally dry to prevent any moisture from entering the device.
Adhere to the manufacturer’s instructions diligently, particularly concerning battery care. Turn off your hearing aid when it’s not being used to protect battery life and keep it in a safe, dry place. Knowing the typical lifespan of a battery can also be really helpful.
Mark on your calendar when you replace the battery, so you can anticipate when it needs to be switched out. It’s important to have a fresh battery with you at all times, specifically when you are not at home, in order to avoid being stuck without power all of a sudden.
Guard against moisture
Hearing aids, being technological devices, are susceptible to moisture. Even nominal exposure can lead to damage or a total malfunction of the device. To safeguard your hearing aid, think about investing in a dehumidifier designed 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.
When engaging in physical activities that trigger sweating, you may consider taking out your hearing aid to prevent moisture damage. Consult taking off your hearing aid to workout, especially outdoors, with your hearing specialist, as doing so may jeopardize your safety by decreasing your awareness of important 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 take out your device before showering or swimming.
Furthermore, it is recommended to refrain from using spray deodorants, hairspray, and any other aerosol products when your hearing aid is in use. These products contain moisture and chemicals that can accumulate on the device, causing long-term damage. Use these products before mounting your hearing aid to reduce exposure.
Avoid excessive ear wax accumulation
Although earwax plays a defensive role by keeping dust, insects, and other foreign particles out of your ears, it can pose a challenge for your hearing aid. The accumulation of earwax in the device can result in it not working properly. 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 necessary to clean your ears carefully 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 flush away some of the wax. It is also suggested to have your ears cleaned regularly by a professional. Even though this might be a bit of a hassle, it’s a minor concern compared to the frustration and problems that can arise from a hearing aid that’s not working effectively due to a buildup of earwax.
To properly clean your hearing aid, carefully adhere to the guidelines provided by the manufacturer.
Various kinds of hearing aids may need specific cleaning methods, and using an incorrect technique might damage 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.
Basic steps for long-term dependability
Once you get used to using your hearing aids, they become a critical aspect of your day-to-day routine, making it hard to envision life without them. By using a few easy precautions, you can avoid damage and ensure your hearing aids remain reliable for years to come. Prioritize routine upkeep, store them properly, and handle them with care, ensuring you can continue to reap the benefits of improved 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.
