Once you’ve adjusted to life with your hearing aid, it becomes an important part of your daily routine. The thought of it breaking down can be daunting, not just because of the hassle but also because of the potential cost of repairs or replacements.
How to best take care of your hearing aid
By recognizing the prospective hazards that can damage your hearing aid and taking measures to maintain it correctly, you can preserve its effectiveness and continue to enjoy the increased quality of life it provides.
Proper battery maintenance
Your hearing aid’s functionality is highly dependent on its battery. Hence, it is essential 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 just as important to handle the batteries with care. Oils, dirt, and moisture from your hands can contaminate the batteries, leading to potential damage.
Always clean your hands before changing the battery, and make sure they are thoroughly dried to prevent introducing moisture into the device.
Stick directly to the manufacturer’s instructions, particularly pertaining to battery upkeep. Turn off your hearing aid when it’s not being used to protect battery life and store it in a safe, dry place. Knowing the typical lifespan of a battery can also be very handy.
Note on your calendar when you change the battery, so you can anticipate when it needs to be switched out. It’s crucial 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.
Guard against moisture
As electronic technology, hearing aids are susceptible to moisture. Even slight contact can cause harm or complete failure of the device. To safeguard your hearing aid, think about purchasing a dehumidifier developed specifically for hearing aids. This device supplies a secure and dry environment for your hearing aid when not in use, safeguarding it from damage caused by unwanted moisture.
To safeguard your hearing aid from water damage, it’s a smart idea to take it out before participating in activities that make you perspire heavily. However, speak with your hearing specialist first, as taking out your hearing aid during exercise, especially outdoors, may pose safety concerns by reducing 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.
Furthermore, it is recommended to avoid using spray deodorants, hairspray, and any other aerosol products when your hearing aid is in your ear. Prolonged exposure to these products can cause harm to the device, as the moisture and chemicals they consist of can accumulate and lead to lasting degredation over time. Apply these products before putting on your hearing aid to decrease exposure.
Avoid excessive ear wax accumulation
Although earwax plays a protective role by keeping dust, insects, and other foreign particles out of your ears, it can present a problem for your hearing aid. The accumulation of earwax in the device can result in it not functioning properly. To control this, have your ears checked out by your hearing specialist or physician 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 essential– never insert any objects into your ear canal. Alternatively, 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 recommended to have your ears cleaned routinely by a professional. Even though this may be a bit of a hassle, it’s a trivial problem in comparison to the frustration 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.
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.
Simple techniques to ensure lasting reliability
Once you get used to using your hearing aids, they become a crucial aspect of your day-to-day routine, making it hard to picture life without them. By using a few basic safety measures, you can prevent damage and ensure your hearing aids continue to be reliable for years to come. Prioritize regular 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 troubles with your hearing aid or need to schedule a routine maintenance appointment, please arrange for a visit.