After you have become familiar with using your hearing aid, it becomes a vital element of your everyday schedule. The idea of it breaking down can be intimidating, not simply because of the hassle but also due to the potential expense of repairs or replacements.
How to best care for your hearing aid
By understanding the prospective hazards that can harm your hearing aid and taking steps to maintain it properly, you can protect its performance and continue to appreciate the improved quality of life it provides.
Proper battery maintenance
Your hearing aid’s functionality is heavily dependent on its battery. As a result, choosing the appropriate batteries for your device is crucial. Consult 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 with care. Oils, dirt, and moisture from your hands can contaminate the batteries, leading to potential damage.
Always clean your hands before changing the battery, and be certain they are completely dried to avoid introducing moisture into the device.
Adhere to the manufacturer’s guidelines diligently, particularly regarding battery care. To prolong the battery life of your hearing aid, be certain to power it down when not using it and keep it stored in a secure, dry spot. Familiarizing yourself with the battery’s normal lifespan is also worthwhile.
Make a note on your calendar every time you replace the battery, so you can predict when it will require changing again. It’s essential to have a fresh battery with you at all times, particularly when you are not at home, in order to prevent being left without power all of a sudden.
Protect against moisture
As electronic technology, hearing aids are vulnerable to moisture. Even slight contact can cause harm or total failure of the device. To protect your hearing aid, think about investing in a dehumidifier developed 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 might think about taking out your hearing aid to prevent moisture damage. Consult taking off your hearing aid to exercise, particularly outdoors, with your hearing specialist, as doing so may jeopardize your safety by reducing your awareness of important auditory cues, including traffic noises or warning alarms. If possible, opt to work out indoors where it is safer to remove your hearing aid, and make sure to remove your device before bathing or swimming.
Additionally, avoid using hairspray, spray deodorants, and other aerosol products while using your hearing aid. Extended exposure to these products can cause harm to the device, as the moisture and chemicals they contain can build up and lead to long-term degredation over time. In order to reduce exposure, use these kinds of products before putting in your hearing aids.
Prevent excessive ear wax accumulation
Although earwax plays a defensive role by keeping dust, insects, and other foreign debris 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 physician to assess the level of earwax buildup and create an appropriate cleaning routine for both your ears and your hearing aid.
Cleaning your ears safely is essential– never insert any objects into your ear canal. Instead, allow warm water to stream into your ears in the course of showers, which can help disperse and flush away some of the wax. Routine professional ear cleaning is also recommended. While this may seem inconvenient, it’s much less problematic than dealing with a malfunctioning hearing aid due to excessive earwax.
To properly clean your hearing aid, carefully adhere to the guidelines provided by the manufacturer.
Different types of hearing aids may require different cleaning techniques, and using the wrong method could cause harm to 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.
Simple steps for long-term reliability
After you’ve become familiar with wearing your hearing aids, they become an essential part of your life, making it difficult to conceive of managing without them. By incorporating a few simple safety measures, you can protect your hearing aids from harm and maintain their reliability over the long run. Prioritize regular 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 book a routine maintenance appointment, please arrange for a visit.
