Once you’ve adapted to life with your hearing aid, it becomes an indispensable part of your day-to-day regimen. The likelihood of a breakdown can be unsettling, as it presents not only a disruption to daily life, but also a significant financial burden in the form of repair or replacement costs.
How to best care for your hearing aid
Understanding what can damage your hearing aid and learning how to maintain it effectively will help you maintain its performance and ensure it continues to improve your quality of life.
Proper battery maintenance
The effectiveness of your hearing aid relies substantially on its battery. Hence, it is important to choose the right batteries for your device. Discuss with your audiologist to find out which battery type is most suitable for your specific hearing aid model.
It is equally significant to handle the batteries with care. Oils, dirt, and moisture from your hands can contaminate the batteries, causing potential damage.
Prior to switching out the battery, ensure your hands are clean and thoroughly dry to keep any moisture from entering the device.
Stick closely to the manufacturer’s directions, especially regarding battery upkeep. To prolong the battery life of your hearing aid, make sure to power it off when not wearing it and keep it stored in a secure, dry location. Familiarizing yourself with the battery’s typical lifespan is also helpful.
Make a note on your calendar each time you change 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 stuck without power unexpectedly.
Guard against moisture
Hearing aids, being technological devices, are vulnerable to moisture. Even brief contact can bring about harm or total failure of the device. Protect your hearing aid’s performance by acquiring a specialized drying device to maintain its functionality by eliminating moisture. This device provides a secure and dry environment for your hearing aid when not in use, safeguarding it from damage caused by excessive moisture.
To protect your hearing aid from water damage, it’s a smart idea to take it out before taking part in activities that make you sweat heavily. Having said that, consult your hearing specialist first, as removing your hearing aid during exercise, especially outdoors, may pose safety concerns by limiting your ability to hear external sounds like traffic or alarms. If possible, choose to exercise indoors where it is safer to take out your hearing aid, and make sure to remove your device before showering or swimming.
Moreover, it is recommended to refrain from 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. In order to minimize exposure, use these types of products before putting in your hearing aids.
Control earwax buildup
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. The accumulation of earwax in the device can lead to it not working correctly. For correct maintenance, schedule an appointment with your audiologist or doctor to evaluate the amount of earwax accumulation and establish a personalized cleaning plan suited to your ears and hearing device.
Cleaning your ears safely is vital– never insert any objects into your ear canal. Instead of that, let warm water go into your ears while you are showering. This can assist in losening up and removing some of the earwax. Regular professional ear cleaning is also advisable. While this may seem inconvenient, it’s significantly 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 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 grown accustomed to wearing your hearing aids, they become an indispensable part of your life, making it hard to imagine managing without them. By taking a few easy precautions, you can avoid damage and ensure your hearing aids continue to be dependable for years to come. Regular maintenance, proper storage, and careful handling are essential to keeping your hearing aids in optimum condition, allowing you to continue enjoying the enhanced quality of life they supply.
Make an appointment if you’re experiencing problems with your hearing aid or need to schedule a regular maintenance appointment.
