Once you’ve adjusted to life with your hearing aid, it becomes an indispensable part of your daily routine. The prospect of a breakdown can be unsettling, as it causes not only a disturbance to daily life, but also a substantial financial burden in the form of repair or replacement expenses.
Tips for maintaining and optimizing your hearing aid functionality
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.
Practical care of batteries
Your hearing aid’s functionality is heavily dependent on its battery. Hence, it is important to choose the correct batteries for your device. Speak with your hearing specialist to figure out the best battery variety for your model.
Handling the batteries with care is just as important. Oils, dirt, and moisture from your hands can contaminate the batteries, causing potential damage.
Always wash your hands before swapping out the battery, and be certain they are completely dried to avoid introducing moisture into the device.
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions meticulously, particularly concerning battery care. Power off your hearing aid when it’s not being used to preserve battery life and store it in a secure , dry place. Knowing the typical lifespan of a battery can also be very handy.
Make a note on your calendar every time you replace the battery, so you can estimate when it will require 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 left without power unexpectedly.
Guard against moisture
Hearing aids, being electronic devices, are vulnerable to moisture. Even slight contact can cause harm or complete failure of the device. Protect your hearing aid’s performance by purchasing a specialized drying device to preserve its functionality by removing moisture. This unit provides a safe and dry environment for your hearing aid when not in use, protecting it from damage caused by excessive moisture.
When participating in physical activities that trigger sweating, you may consider removing your hearing aid to stop moisture damage. Consult taking off your hearing aid to exercise, especially outside, with your hearing specialist, as doing so may jeopardize your safety by reducing your recognition 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 take out your device before showering or going for a swim.
Moreover, it is suggested to avoid using spray deodorants, hairspray, and any other aerosol products when your hearing aid is in your ear. These products contain moisture and chemicals that can build up on the device, resulting in long-term damage. In order to reduce exposure, use these types of products before putting in your hearing aids.
Avoid excessive ear wax accumulation
Though earwax plays a protective role by keeping dust, insects, and other foreign particles out of your ears, it can pose a challenge for your hearing aid. Earwax can accumulate in the device, causing it to malfunction. To manage this, have your ears examined by your hearing specialist or doctor 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 carefully and never put anything foreign into your ear canal. Instead of that, let warm water go into your ears while you shower. This can assist in losening up and eliminating some of the earwax. Regular professional ear cleaning is also recommended. While this may seem inconvenient, it’s much less problematic than dealing with a malfunctioning hearing aid caused by excessive 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’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 continued dependability
Once you get used to wearing your hearing aids, they become a crucial facet of your day-to-day routine, making it difficult to envision life without them. By using a few simple precautions, you can avoid damage and ensure your hearing aids remain dependable 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.