Once you’ve adapted to life with your hearing aid, it becomes an indispensable part of your everyday routine. The idea of it malfunctioning can be challenging, not simply because of the hassle but also because of the potential cost of repairs or replacements.
How to properly maintain your hearing aid
Understanding what can damage your hearing aid and learning how to care for it correctly will help you maintain its functionality and ensure it continues to enrich your quality of life.
Proper battery upkeep
The performance of your hearing aid depends considerably on its battery. As a result, picking the appropriate batteries for your hearing aid is crucial. Talk to your hearing specialist to figure out the ideal battery variety for your model.
Handling the batteries with care is just as important. Oils, dirt, and moisture from your hands can contaminate the batteries, resulting in potential damage.
Before switching out the battery, make sure your hands are clean and completely dry to keep any moisture from entering the device.
Stick closely to the manufacturer’s instructions, especially pertaining to battery maintenance. To extend the battery life of your hearing aid, be certain to power it down when not wearing it and keep it stored in a safe , dry spot. Familiarizing yourself with the battery’s typical lifespan is also worthwhile.
Make a note on your calendar each time you replace the battery, so you can estimate when it will require changing again. 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 left without power unexpectedly.
Guard against moisture
As electronic devices, hearing aids are vulnerable to moisture. Even minor exposure can result in damage or a complete breakdown of the device. To safeguard your hearing aid, consider purchasing a dehumidifier developed specifically for hearing aids. This device supplies a safe and dry atmosphere for your hearing aid when not in use, protecting it from damage caused by unwanted moisture.
To safeguard your hearing aid from moisture damage, it’s a good idea to take it out before participating 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 risks by limiting your ability to hear environmental 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 bathing or swimming.
Additionally, avoid utilizing hairspray, spray deodorants, and other aerosol products while using your hearing aid. Prolonged exposure to these products can lead to harm to the device, as the moisture and chemicals they contain can accumulate and lead to irreversible degredation over time. In order to decrease exposure, use these types of products before putting in your hearing aids.
Manage earwax buildup
Though 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, make an appointment with your audiologist or doctor to assess the amount of earwax build-up and establish an individualized cleaning plan suited to your ears and hearing device.
Cleaning your ears safely is crucial– never insert foreign objects into your ear canal. Instead, allow warm water to stream into your ears during showers, which can help break up and flush away some of the wax. It is also suggested to have your ears cleaned regularly by a professional. Even though this may be a bit of a hassle, it’s a trivial issue compared to the disappointment and complications that can arise from a hearing aid that’s not functioning properly as a result of 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.
Easy techniques to ensure lasting reliability
Once you get used to wearing your hearing aids, they become a crucial aspect of your day-to-day routine, making it difficult to envision life without them. By taking a few simple safety measures, you can prevent damage and ensure your hearing aids remain reliable for years to come. Routine upkeep, appropriate storage, and careful handling are essential to keeping your hearing aids in optimal condition, allowing you to continue enjoying the enhanced quality of life they provide.
If you are having problems with your hearing aid or need to book a routine maintenance appointment, please arrange for a visit.