What would you do if your hearing aids stopped working at a time when you most needed them. Like in the middle of a phone call?
No one wants that to occur! It’s important to invest in hearing aids for your hearing, your happiness, and your general health. You will get the greatest possible advantage from your hearing aids if you keep them functioning in peak condition.
The following are 7 tips to help you correctly care for your hearing aids and keep them working at peak condition.
1. Get to Know The Instruction Manual
The best results will be accomplished when you use the manual that came with your hearing aids. These manuals normally include troubleshooting guides that will help you solve many technical challenges.
Always go to the manual first if something isn’t working properly.
Any issues involving the performance of your hearing aid should be covered in the manual. Modern hearing aids work differently than the older models so even if you’ve had hearing aids before this is important. After all, there have been many advances in hearing aid technology in the last few years.
2. Keep Your Hearing Aids Clean
Hearing aids can provide a breeding ground for bacteria.
If you fail to clean and disinfect your hearing aids and wash your hands before you use them, an ear infection can be the result.
Ear infections can lead to further hearing trouble. Some of these problems are short lived but permanent damage can also take place.
After every use, wipe your hearing aids down with a dry cloth because bacteria bread faster on moist surfaces. Water can damage your hearing aid so keep them out of water. Disinfect them frequently with an alcohol-free wipe, being mindful not to get it too wet.
Once each week, clean the hearing aid and any custom mold pieces completely.
Routinely cleaning your hearing aids will help prevent wax buildup on the earpiece.
3. Keep Your Hearing Aids Dry
Most hearing aids are not made to get wet. Even high humidity can damage them. After cleaning, don’t put them on the nightstand.
Hearing aids will gather dust which has bacteria if they are left sitting on an open surface.
Adhere to the recommendations of the manufacturer and store them in a cool dry place. Before you go into the shower or take a bath, make sure you take them out. Leave your hearing aids in another room when you shower because there will be moisture in the air.
When it rains, carry an umbrella.
Always bring your charger with you because your battery may drain faster if the air has moisture.
Heat can also damage hearing aids, so don’t expose them to a blow dryer, sauna, or other intense heat.
4. Avoid Draining The Battery
Don’t get caught without a backup battery at your nephew’s concert.
Turn your hearing aids completely off before you go to bed. If you’re not going to wear them for a prolonged duration, always remove the battery. If you let your hearing aids sit for long time periods with the battery in them, the life of the battery can be diminished and their delicate electronics can be damaged by battery acid.
You can substantially prolong the life of your batteries with this guidance but always carry a spare battery, just in case.
5. Have Your Ears Cleaned Professionally
A little bit of wax is pushed into your ear canal every time you put your hearing aid in. Voices will eventually start to sound muted as this earwax builds up. If your hearing experience doesn’t seem correct, make an appointment with a hearing specialist to check for excessive earwax accumulation.
With the correct tools and know-how, it’s a simple process. A hearing professional should be the only person who conducts this procedure.
6. When You’re Inserting Your Hearing Aids, do it Above a Soft Surface
Taking the chance of dropping your hearing aid into the toilet or sink is really not worth it. Dropping and breaking your hearing aid becomes a real possibility in this scenario. Over a bed, couch, or soft folded towel would be a suitable place to insert them.
7. If You Aren’t Experiencing Improved Hearing, Contact a Specialist
If you aren’t having the best experience with your hearing aids, don’t stop wearing them. Your situation can be improved. Make an appointment to come see us for a hearing test.
