After you have become familiar with wearing your hearing aid, it becomes a vital element of your daily schedule. The likelihood of a malfunction can be distressing, as it poses not only a disturbance to daily life, but also a considerable financial burden in the form of repair or replacement costs.
How to best take care of your hearing aid
By being aware of the prospective threats that can harm your hearing aid and taking measures to maintain it properly, you can protect its effectiveness and continue to appreciate the increased quality of life it offers.
Proper battery upkeep
The performance of your hearing aid relies substantially on its battery. Therefore, selecting the correct batteries for your hearing aid is crucial. Discuss with your audiologist to find out which battery type is most suitable for your specific hearing aid model.
Handling the batteries with care is just as important. The natural oils, dirt, and moisture on your skin can transfer to the batteries and result in contamination, jeopardizing their performance and potentially causing damage.
Prior to switching out the battery, make sure your hands are clean and totally dry to prevent any moisture from entering the device.
Adhere to the manufacturer’s instructions meticulously, especially concerning battery care. Power off your hearing aid when it’s not in use to preserve battery life and keep it in a safe, dry place. Familiarizing yourself with the battery’s typical lifespan is also worthwhile.
Mark on your calendar when you replace the battery, so you can anticipate when it needs to be replaced. It’s important to have a spare battery with you at all times, particularly when you are not at home, in order to avoid being stuck without power all of a sudden.
Protect against moisture
Hearing aids, being electronic devices, are susceptible to moisture. Even slight contact can cause harm or total failure of the device. To protect your hearing aid, think about purchasing a dehumidifier developed specifically for hearing aids. This device provides a secure and dry atmosphere for your hearing aid when not in use, protecting it from damage caused by excessive moisture.
To safeguard your hearing aid from moisture damage, it’s a smart plan to take it out before participating in activities that make you perspire heavily. Consult taking off your hearing aid to exercise, especially outside, with your hearing specialist, as doing so may jeopardize your safety by reducing your recognition of essential auditory cues, including traffic noises or warning alarms. If possible, opt to work out inside where it is safer to take out your hearing aid, and make sure to remove your device before bathing or swimming.
Additionally, avoid utilizing hairspray, spray deodorants, and other aerosol products while wearing your hearing aid. Extended exposure to these products can cause harm to the device, as the moisture and chemicals they consist of can build up and lead to permanent deterioration over time. In order to decrease exposure, use these types of products before putting in your hearing aids.
Prevent excessive ear wax accumulation
Although earwax serves as a natural barrier, protecting your ears from debris, dirt, and small insects, it can also interfere with the effective functioning of your hearing aid. The buildup of earwax in the device can result in it not working correctly. To control this, have your ears examined by your hearing specialist or doctor 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 vital– never insert any objects into your ear canal. Instead of that, let warm water go into your ears while you shower. This can assist in breaking down and eliminating some of the earwax. Regular professional ear cleaning is also recommended. Though this might be a bit of a hassle, it’s a trivial concern in comparison to the disappointment and complications that can arise from a hearing aid that’s not functioning effectively due to a buildup of 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.
Basic steps for lasting dependability
After you’ve become familiar with wearing your hearing aids, they become an integral part of your life, making it difficult to imagine managing without having them. By applying a few basic safety strategies, you can protect your hearing aids from damage and preserve their reliability over the long term. Prioritize routine maintenance, store them properly, and handle them with care, ensuring you can continue to reap the benefits of improved communication and a more fulfilling lifestyle.
If you are having problems with your hearing aid or need to schedule a routine maintenance appointment, please arrange for a visit.