After you have become accustomed to wearing your hearing aid, it becomes a vital element of your day-to-day schedule. The prospect of a malfunction can be worrysome, as it presents not only a disruption to everyday life, but also a substantial monetary burden in the form of repair or replacement expenses.
How to properly care for your hearing aid
Being aware of what can damage your hearing aid and knowing how to care for it effectively will help you maintain its functionality and ensure it continues to improve your quality of life.
Practical upkeep of batteries
Your hearing aid’s performance is heavily dependent on its battery. Therefore, choosing the appropriate 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 equally significant to handle the batteries with care. Oils, dirt, and moisture from your hands can contaminate the batteries, resulting in 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 guidelines meticulously, particularly regarding battery care. Power off your hearing aid when it’s not being used to protect battery life and store it in a safe, dry place. Familiarizing yourself with the battery’s typical lifespan is also beneficial.
Note on your calendar when you change the battery, so you can anticipate when it needs to be switched out. To avoid being caught without power, always bring a spare battery with you, particularly when you’re away from home.
Minimize the risk of moisture damage
As electronic devices, hearing aids are vulnerable to moisture. Even slight contact can cause harm or complete failure of the device. To protect your hearing aid, think about investing in a dehumidifier designed specifically for hearing aids. This unit provides a secure and dry environment for your hearing aid when not in use, protecting it from damage caused by excessive 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 exercise, especially outdoors, with your hearing specialist, as doing so may compromise your safety by decreasing your recognition of important auditory cues, including traffic noises or warning alarms. If necessary, opt for indoor exercise where it’s safer to be without your hearing aid, and always remember to take out your device before showering or going for a swim.
Moreover, it is suggested to refrain from using spray deodorants, hairspray, and any other aerosol products when your hearing aid is in your ear. These products consist of moisture and chemicals that can build up on the device, causing long-term damage. In order to minimize exposure, use these kinds of products before putting in your hearing aids.
Control earwax buildup
While earwax serves as a natural shield, shielding your ears from debris, dirt, and small insects, it can also interfere with the effective functioning of your hearing aid. The accumulation of earwax in the device can lead to it not working properly. For proper maintenance, schedule an appointment with your audiologist or doctor to evaluate the amount of earwax accumulation and develop 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 flow into your ears in the course of showers, which can help break up and flush away some of the wax. It is also suggested to have your ears cleaned routinely by a professional. While this might seem inconvenient, it’s far less problematic than dealing with a malfunctioning hearing aid dued to excessive earwax.
To properly clean your hearing aid, carefully adhere to the guidelines provided by the manufacturer.
Different types of hearing aids may require different cleaning techniques, and using the wrong method could cause harm to 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 continued dependability
After you’ve become accustomed to wearing your hearing aids, they become an integral part of your life, making it hard to conceive of managing without having them. By implementing a few simple safety measures, you can protect your hearing aids from harm and preserve their reliability over the long run. Routine upkeep, proper storage, and careful handling are key to keeping your hearing aids in optimal condition, allowing you to keep enjoying the improved quality of life they provide.
Make an appointment if you’re experiencing problems with your hearing aid or need to set up a regular maintenance appointment.
