Once you’ve adapted to life with your hearing aid, it becomes an indispensable part of your day-to-day regimen. The thought of it breaking down can be challenging, not only because of the hassle but also thanks to the prospective expense of repairs or replacements.
How to properly care for your hearing aid
Understanding what can damage your hearing aid and learning how to maintain it effectively will help you maintain its functionality and ensure it continues to enhance your quality of life.
Proper battery care
The performance of your hearing aid depends substantially on its battery. Therefore, choosing the appropriate batteries for your hearing aid is essential. Consult with your audiologist to find out which battery type is most suitable for your specific hearing aid model.
It is just as significant to handle the batteries carefully. Oils, dirt, and moisture from your hands can contaminate the batteries, leading to potential damage.
Before replacing the battery, ensure your hands are clean and thoroughly dry to keep any moisture from getting into the device.
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions diligently, particularly concerning battery care. To increase the battery life of your hearing aid, be certain to power it down when not wearing it and keep it stored in a secure, dry location. Knowing the average lifespan of a battery can also be quite handy.
Make a note on your calendar each time you change the battery, so you can predict when it will need changing again. To avoid being stuck without power, always bring a spare battery with you, particularly when you’re away from home.
Minimize the risk of moisture damage
Hearing aids, being technological devices, are susceptible to moisture. Even slight contact can cause harm or complete failure of the device. Safeguard your hearing aid’s functionality by acquiring a specialized drying device to maintain its functionality by eliminating moisture. This device can securely store your hearing aid when it’s not in use, keeping it dry and free from moisture-related issues.
When engaging in physical activities that trigger sweating, you may think about removing your hearing aid to prevent moisture damage. Having said that, speak with your hearing specialist first, as taking out your hearing aid during exercise, particularly outdoors, may pose safety risks by limiting your ability to hear external sounds like traffic or 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 swimming.
Additionally, avoid using hairspray, spray deodorants, and other aerosol products while using your hearing aid. Extended exposure to these products can lead to harm to the device, as the moisture and chemicals they contain can accumulate and lead to long-term degredation over time. Apply these products before putting on your hearing aid to reduce exposure.
Manage earwax buildup
While earwax serves as a natural barrier, protecting your ears from debris, dirt, and tiny insects, it can also hamper the effective functioning of your hearing aid. The accumulation of earwax in the device can result in it not working properly. For correct maintenance, make an appointment with your audiologist or doctor to assess the amount of earwax accumulation 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. Alternatively, allow warm water to stream into your ears during showers, which can help disperse and flush away some of the wax. It is also recommended to have your ears cleaned regularly by a professional. While this might seem inconvenient, it’s much less troublesome than managing a malfunctioning hearing aid caused by 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’re unsure about the proper cleaning method, consult your hearing specialist or hearing aid provider to ensure you’re taking the correct steps to protect your device from earwax damage.
Simple methods to ensure lasting reliability
After you’ve grown accustomed to wearing your hearing aids, they become an integral part of your life, making it difficult to envision managing without having them. By using a few basic precautions, you can avoid damage and ensure your hearing aids continue to be reliable for years to come. Regular maintenance, appropriate storage, and careful handling are essential to keeping your hearing aids in optimum condition, allowing you to keep enjoying the improved quality of life they provide.
Schedule an appointment if you’re experiencing problems with your hearing aid or need to schedule a regular maintenance appointment.