Once you’ve adapted to life with your hearing aid, it becomes an important part of your day-to-day regimen. The prospect of a malfunction can be distressing, as it presents not only a disturbance to daily life, but also a considerable financial burden in the form of repair or replacement expenses.
How to properly care for your hearing aid
By being aware of the potential threats that can harm your hearing aid and taking steps to care for it properly, you can preserve its performance and continue to appreciate the improved quality of life it provides.
Effective upkeep of batteries
The performance of your hearing aid relies greatly on its battery. As a result, 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.
Before switching out the battery, make sure your hands are clean and completely dry to prevent any moisture from getting into the device.
Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines diligently, particularly regarding battery care. To extend the battery life of your hearing aid, be certain to power it down when not using it and keep it stored in a secure, dry spot. Knowing the typical lifespan of a battery can also be quite helpful.
Make a note on your calendar each time you replace the battery, so you can predict when it will require changing again. To avoid being stuck without power, always bring a spare battery with you, especially when you’re away from home.
Protect against moisture
Hearing aids, being technological devices, are susceptible to moisture. Even minor exposure can result in damage or a total breakdown of the device. Safeguard your hearing aid’s functionality by acquiring a specialized drying device to preserve its functionality by removing moisture. This device supplies a safe and dry environment for your hearing aid when not in use, protecting it from damage caused by excessive moisture.
When engaging in physical activities that cause sweating, you may consider removing your hearing aid to prevent moisture damage. Consult taking off your hearing aid to exercise, particularly outdoors, with your hearing specialist, as doing so could jeopardize your safety by reducing your awareness of essential auditory cues, such as traffic noises or warning alarms. If possible, choose to exercise inside where it is safer to take out your hearing aid, and make sure to remove your device before bathing or swimming.
Also, 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 result in lasting deterioration over time. In order to minimize exposure, use these kinds of products before putting in your hearing aids.
Manage earwax buildup
Although earwax plays a defensive role by keeping dust, insects, and other foreign debris 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 correctly. To control this, have your ears examined by your hearing specialist or doctor to assess the level of earwax buildup and create an appropriate cleaning routine for both your ears and your hearing aid.
It is important to clean your ears carefully and never put anything foreign into your ear canal. Instead of that, let warm water go into your ears while you shower. This can help in breaking down and eliminating some of the earwax. Routine professional ear cleaning is also advisable. Even though this may be a bit of a hassle, it’s a minor concern in comparison to the frustration and complications that can arise from a hearing aid that’s not functioning properly as a result of a buildup of earwax.
To properly clean your hearing aid, carefully adhere to the guidelines provided by the manufacturer.
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 continued dependability
Once you get used to wearing your hearing aids, they become a crucial facet of your day-to-day routine, making it difficult to envision life without them. By incorporating a few simple safety measures, you can safeguard your hearing aids from harm and preserve their reliability over the long term. Regular upkeep, proper storage, and cautious handling are essential to keeping your hearing aids in optimum condition, allowing you to continue enjoying the enhanced quality of life they supply.
If you are having difficulties with your hearing aid or need to schedule a routine maintenance appointment, please arrange for a visit.
