After you have become accustomed to using your hearing aid, it becomes a critical element of your day-to-day schedule. The prospect of a malfunction can be unsettling, as it causes not only a disturbance to daily life, but also a significant financial burden in the form of repair or replacement expenses.
How to best maintain your hearing aid
Understanding 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 improve your quality of life.
Proper battery care
Your hearing aid’s performance is highly dependent on its battery. Therefore, picking the correct batteries for your hearing aid is essential. Discuss with your audiologist to find out which battery type is most suitable for your specific hearing aid model.
It is just as significant to handle the batteries carefully. Oils, dirt, and moisture from your hands can contaminate the batteries, causing potential damage.
Always clean your hands before changing the battery, and make sure they are thoroughly dried to prevent introducing moisture into the device.
Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines diligently, especially 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 spot. Familiarizing yourself with the battery’s typical lifespan is also worthwhile.
Make a note on your calendar every time you change the battery, so you can predict when it will need changing again. It’s crucial to have a spare battery with you at all times, specifically when you are not at home, in order to prevent being stuck without power unexpectedly.
Guard against moisture
As electronic devices, hearing aids are vulnerable to moisture. Even slight contact can cause harm or complete failure of the device. Safeguard your hearing aid’s performance by purchasing a specialized drying device to preserve its functionality by eliminating moisture. This unit supplies a safe and dry atmosphere for your hearing aid when not in use, protecting it from damage caused by unwanted moisture.
When engaging in physical activities that cause sweating, you may think about taking out your hearing aid to prevent moisture damage. However, speak with your hearing specialist first, as taking out your hearing aid during exercise, particularly outdoors, might pose safety concerns by reducing your ability to hear environmental sounds like traffic or alarms. If possible, opt to work out inside where it is safer to remove your hearing aid, and make sure to remove your device before showering or swimming.
Furthermore, it is recommended to avoid 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 contain can accumulate and lead to long-term degredation over time. Apply these products before putting on your hearing aid to decrease exposure.
Manage earwax buildup
Although earwax serves as a natural shield, shielding your ears from debris, dirt, and tiny insects, it can also interfere with the effective performance of your hearing aid. The accumulation of earwax in the device can lead to it not functioning correctly. For proper maintenance, make an appointment with your audiologist or doctor to assess the amount of earwax build-up and develop an individualized cleaning plan suited to your ears and hearing device.
Cleaning your ears safely is crucial– never insert any objects into your ear canal. As opposed to that, let warm water enter your ears while you shower. This can assist in losening up and eliminating some of the earwax. It is also recommended to have your ears cleaned regularly by a professional. Even though this might be a bit of a hassle, it’s a trivial issue in comparison to the frustration and problems that can occur from a hearing aid that’s not functioning properly as a result of a buildup of earwax.
When it comes to cleaning your hearing aid, follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
Different types of hearing aids may require different cleaning techniques, and using the wrong method could cause harm to 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 methods to ensure lasting dependability
After you’ve become accustomed to wearing your hearing aids, they become an essential part of your life, making it difficult to imagine managing without them. By using a few basic safety measures, you can prevent damage and ensure your hearing aids remain dependable for years to come. Regular upkeep, appropriate storage, and cautious handling are essential to keeping your hearing aids in optimal condition, allowing you to continue enjoying the enhanced quality of life they provide.
Schedule an appointment if you’re experiencing issues with your hearing aid or need to schedule a regular maintenance appointment.
