After you have become familiar with wearing your hearing aid, it becomes a vital element of your daily routine. The thought of it breaking down can be intimidating, not simply because of the inconvenience but also due to the prospective expense of repairs or replacements.
How to properly maintain your hearing aid
Comprehending what can damage your hearing aid and learning how to care for it correctly will help you maintain its functionality and ensure it continues to improve your quality of life.
Proper battery upkeep
Your hearing aid’s functionality is highly dependent on its battery. As a result, picking the appropriate batteries for your hearing aid is crucial. Consult with your audiologist to find out which battery type is most suitable for your specific hearing aid 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 result in contamination, compromising their performance and potentially leading to damage.
Always clean your hands before swapping out the battery, and make sure they are completely dried to avoid introducing moisture into the device.
Adhere to the manufacturer’s guidelines diligently, particularly concerning battery care. To prolong the battery life of your hearing aid, make sure to power it off when not wearing it and keep it stored in a safe , dry location. Familiarizing yourself with the battery’s normal lifespan is also worthwhile.
Make a note on your calendar each time you replace the battery, so you can predict when it will need changing again. To avoid being stuck without power, always carry a spare battery with you, especially when you’re away from home.
Guard against moisture
Hearing aids, being technological devices, are susceptible to moisture. Even minor exposure can lead to damage or a total breakdown of the device. Safeguard your hearing aid’s functionality by acquiring a specialized drying device to maintain its functionality by getting rid of moisture. This device can securely store your hearing aid when it’s not being used, keeping it dry and free from moisture-related problems.
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 exercise, particularly outside, with your hearing specialist, as doing so may compromise your safety by decreasing your recognition of essential auditory cues, such as traffic noises or warning alarms. If possible, opt to exercise indoors where it is safer to remove your hearing aid, and make sure to remove your device before bathing or swimming.
Additionally, avoid utilizing hairspray, spray deodorants, and other aerosol products while wearing your hearing aid. Extended exposure to these products can lead to harm to the device, as the moisture and chemicals they contain can accumulate and result in lasting degredation over time. In order to reduce exposure, use these kinds of products before putting in your hearing aids.
Control earwax buildup
Although earwax plays a defensive role by keeping dust, insects, and other foreign particles out of your ears, it can present a problem for your hearing aid. The buildup of earwax in the device can result in it not functioning properly. To control 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 important 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 shower. This can help in breaking down and eliminating some of the earwax. It is also recommended to have your ears cleaned routinely by a professional. While this may seem inconvenient, it’s much less problematic than dealing with a malfunctioning hearing aid caused by 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.
Simple steps for long-term reliability
Once you get used to wearing your hearing aids, they become a crucial facet of your day-to-day routine, making it hard to envision life without them. By incorporating a few simple safety measures, you can safeguard your hearing aids from harm and preserve their reliability over the long term. Prioritize regular maintenance, store them properly, 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 difficulties with your hearing aid or need to book a routine maintenance appointment, please arrange for a visit.