Once you’ve adjusted to life with your hearing aid, it becomes an indispensable part of your daily regimen. The idea of it breaking down can be challenging, not only because of the hassle but also due to the potential expense of repairs or replacements.
How to properly maintain your hearing aid
By understanding the prospective hazards that can damage your hearing aid and taking steps to maintain it correctly, you can preserve its performance and continue to enjoy the improved quality of life it provides.
Effective upkeep of batteries
Your hearing aid’s performance is highly dependent on its battery. As a result, choosing the correct batteries for your hearing aid is essential. Consult with your hearing specialist to determine the best battery type for your model.
Handling the batteries with care is equally important. The natural oils, dirt, and moisture on your skin can transfer to the batteries and result in contamination, jeopardizing their functionality and potentially causing damage.
Before replacing the battery, ensure your hands are clean and totally dry to keep any moisture from entering the device.
Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines meticulously, 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 safe , dry location. Knowing the typical lifespan of a battery can also be very helpful.
Make a note on your calendar each time you replace the battery, so you can estimate when it will need changing again. It’s essential 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 all of a sudden.
Protect against moisture
Hearing aids, being electronic devices, are vulnerable to moisture. Even minor exposure can lead to damage or a complete breakdown of the device. To safeguard your hearing aid, think about investing in a dehumidifier designed specifically for hearing aids. This device can safely 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 consider removing your hearing aid to stop moisture damage. Having said that, 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 external sounds like traffic or alarms. If possible, choose to exercise indoors where it is safer to remove your hearing aid, and make sure to remove your device before bathing or swimming.
Additionally, avoid utilizing hairspray, spray deodorants, and other aerosol items while wearing your hearing aid. These products contain moisture and chemicals that can accumulate on the device, causing long-term damage. In order to minimize exposure, use these types of products before putting in your hearing aids.
Control earwax buildup
Although earwax serves as a natural shield, protecting your ears from debris, dirt, and small insects, it can also interfere with the effective performance of your hearing aid. The buildup of earwax in the device can result in it not functioning properly. To manage this, have your ears examined by your hearing specialist or physician to evaluate 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 foreign objects into your ear canal. Alternatively, allow warm water to stream into your ears during showers, which can help disperse and wash away some of the wax. Regular professional ear cleaning is also recommended. While this might seem inconvenient, it’s significantly less problematic than dealing with a malfunctioning hearing aid dued to 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 continued reliability
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 using a few basic safety measures, you can avoid damage and ensure your hearing aids remain dependable for years to come. Prioritize routine maintenance, store them properly, and handle them with care, ensuring you can continue to reap the benefits of enhanced communication and a more fulfilling lifestyle.
Schedule an appointment if you’re experiencing issues with your hearing aid or need to set up a regular maintenance appointment.