After you have become accustomed to wearing your hearing aid, it becomes a critical element of your day-to-day schedule. The idea of it malfunctioning can be intimidating, not simply because of the inconvenience but also due to the potential expense of repairs or replacements.
How to properly maintain your hearing aid
By being aware of the prospective threats that can damage your hearing aid and taking measures to care for it correctly, you can protect its effectiveness and continue to enjoy the improved quality of life it provides.
Proper battery upkeep
Your hearing aid’s performance is heavily dependent on its battery. Hence, it is important to choose the correct batteries for your device. Consult with your audiologist to find out which battery type is most suitable for your specific hearing aid model.
It is equally important to handle the batteries with care. The natural oils, dirt, and moisture on your skin can transfer to the batteries and cause contamination, jeopardizing their functionality and potentially leading to damage.
Always wash your hands before swapping out the battery, and make sure they are completely dried to prevent introducing moisture into the device.
Stick closely to the manufacturer’s instructions, especially pertaining to battery upkeep. Turn off your hearing aid when it’s not being used to protect battery life and keep it in a secure , dry place. Familiarizing yourself with the battery’s normal lifespan is also helpful.
Note on your calendar when you change the battery, so you can anticipate when it needs to be switched out. It’s important 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.
Minimize the risk of moisture damage
Hearing aids, being electronic devices, are vulnerable to moisture. Even minimal exposure can lead to damage or a total malfunction of the device. Protect your hearing aid’s performance by acquiring a specialized drying device to maintain 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 related to excessive moisture.
When participating in physical activities that trigger sweating, you might think about removing your hearing aid to stop moisture damage. Having said that, consult your hearing specialist first, as removing your hearing aid during exercise, particularly outdoors, might pose safety concerns by reducing your ability to hear environmental sounds like traffic or alarms. If necessary, opt for indoor exercise where it’s safer to be without your hearing aid, and always remember to remove your device before showering or going for a swim.
Also, avoid using hairspray, spray deodorants, and other aerosol products while using your hearing aid. These products contain moisture and chemicals that can build up on the device, leading to long-term damage. Use these products before mounting your hearing aid to minimize exposure.
Control earwax buildup
Though earwax plays a defensive role by keeping dust, insects, and other foreign debris out of your ears, it can present a challenge for your hearing aid. The accumulation of earwax in the device can result in it not working correctly. To control this, have your ears checked out by your hearing specialist or doctor 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 crucial– never insert any objects into your ear canal. Alternatively, allow warm water to stream into your ears during showers, which can help disperse and flush away some of the wax. Regular professional ear cleaning is also advisable. Even though this might be a bit of a hassle, it’s a trivial concern compared to the frustration and complications that can arise from a hearing aid that’s not working properly due to a buildup of 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 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
Once you get used to using your hearing aids, they become a crucial facet of your day-to-day routine, making it hard to picture life without them. By using a few basic safety measures, you can prevent damage and ensure your hearing aids continue to be reliable for years to come. Regular maintenance, appropriate storage, and cautious handling are key to keeping your hearing aids in optimum condition, allowing you to keep enjoying the improved quality of life they supply.
Schedule an appointment if you’re experiencing issues with your hearing aid or need to schedule a regular maintenance appointment.