After you have become familiar with using your hearing aid, it becomes a crucial element of your day-to-day routine. The idea of it breaking down can be daunting, not just because of the hassle but also because of the potential cost 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 properly will help you maintain its functionality and ensure it continues to enhance your quality of life.
Practical care of batteries
The effectiveness of your hearing aid relies considerably on its battery. Therefore, picking the correct batteries for your device 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 completely dried to avoid introducing moisture into the device.
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions meticulously, particularly concerning battery care. Turn off your hearing aid when it’s not in use to preserve battery life and store it in a safe, dry place. Familiarizing yourself with the battery’s typical lifespan is also worthwhile.
Note on your calendar when you change the battery, so you can prepare for when it needs to be replaced. To avoid being caught without power, always carry a spare battery with you, particularly when you’re away from home.
Guard against moisture
As electronic devices, hearing aids are susceptible to moisture. Even nominal exposure can lead to damage or a complete malfunction of the device. Protect your hearing aid’s performance by purchasing a specialized drying device to preserve its functionality by getting rid of moisture. This device provides a safe and dry atmosphere for your hearing aid when not in use, safeguarding it from damage related to unwanted moisture.
To protect your hearing aid from water damage, it’s a good plan to take it out before taking part in activities that make you sweat heavily. Consult taking off your hearing aid to workout, particularly outdoors, with your hearing specialist, as doing so could compromise your safety by reducing your recognition of important auditory cues, such as traffic noises or warning alarms. If possible, choose to work out indoors where it is safer to remove your hearing aid, and make sure to remove your device before bathing or swimming.
Furthermore, it is recommended to avoid using spray deodorants, hairspray, and any other aerosol products when your hearing aid is in your ear. Extended exposure to these products can cause harm to the device, as the moisture and chemicals they consist of can accumulate and lead to permanent deterioration over time. Apply these products before putting on your hearing aid to reduce exposure.
Manage earwax buildup
Although earwax plays a protective role by keeping dust, insects, and other foreign debris out of your ears, it can present a problem for your hearing aid. The buildup of earwax in the device can lead to it not working correctly. For proper maintenance, schedule an appointment with your audiologist or doctor to assess the amount of earwax accumulation and establish an individualized cleaning plan tailored to your ears and hearing device.
It is necessary to clean your ears carefully and never put anything foreign into your ear canal. Instead, allow warm water to stream into your ears in the course of showers, which can help disperse and wash away some of the wax. Regular professional ear cleaning is also advisable. While this may seem inconvenient, it’s much less troublesome 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 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 lasting dependability
After you’ve become accustomed to wearing your hearing aids, they become an essential part of your life, making it difficult to conceive of managing without having them. By incorporating a few basic safety strategies, you can protect your hearing aids from harm and preserve their reliability over the long term. Routine maintenance, appropriate storage, and careful handling are key to keeping your hearing aids in optimal condition, allowing you to continue enjoying the improved 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.
