After you have become accustomed to using your hearing aid, it becomes a crucial element of your daily routine. The likelihood of a malfunction can be worrysome, as it presents not only a disruption to daily life, but also a considerable financial burden in the form of repair or replacement costs.
Tips for caring for and optimizing your hearing aid performance
Understanding what can damage your hearing aid and knowing how to care for it properly will help you maintain its performance and ensure it continues to improve your quality of life.
Practical upkeep of batteries
The effectiveness of your hearing aid relies significantly on its battery. Therefore, choosing the correct batteries for your device is crucial. Consult with your audiologist to find out which battery type is most suitable for your specific hearing aid model.
It is equally important to handle the batteries carefully. The natural oils, dirt, and moisture on your skin can pass on to the batteries and result in contamination, jeopardizing their performance and potentially causing damage.
Always wash your hands before changing the battery, and be certain they are completely dried to avoid introducing moisture into the device.
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions meticulously, especially concerning battery care. Power off your hearing aid when it’s not in use to preserve battery life and store it in a safe, dry place. Familiarizing yourself with the battery’s typical lifespan is also worthwhile.
Make a note on your calendar every time you change the battery, so you can estimate when it will require changing again. To avoid being stuck without power, always carry a spare battery with you, particularly when you’re away from home.
Protect against moisture
Hearing aids, being electronic devices, are vulnerable to moisture. Even slight contact can bring about harm or total failure of the device. Protect your hearing aid’s functionality by purchasing a specialized drying device to preserve its functionality by eliminating moisture. This unit supplies a safe and dry atmosphere for your hearing aid when not in use, safeguarding it from damage related to excessive moisture.
To protect your hearing aid from moisture damage, it’s a good plan to take it out before taking part in activities that make you sweat heavily. Having said that, consult your hearing specialist first, as removing your hearing aid during exercise, particularly outdoors, might pose safety risks by limiting your ability to hear external sounds like traffic or alarms. If possible, choose to work out indoors where it is safer to take out your hearing aid, and make sure to remove your device before bathing or swimming.
Moreover, it is suggested to refrain from using spray deodorants, hairspray, and any other aerosol products when your hearing aid is in use. These products consist of moisture and chemicals that can build up on the device, causing long-term damage. Use these products before mounting your hearing aid to decrease exposure.
Manage earwax buildup
While earwax serves as a natural shield, protecting your ears from debris, dirt, and small insects, it can also hamper the effective functioning of your hearing aid. Earwax can build up in the device, causing it to fail. To manage 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. As opposed to that, let warm water go into your ears while you are showering. This can assist in losening up and eliminating some of the earwax. It is also recommended to have your ears cleaned regularly by a professional. Though this might be a bit of a hassle, it’s a minor issue compared to the frustration and complications that can arise from a hearing aid that’s not working 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.
Simple techniques to ensure lasting dependability
After you’ve become familiar with wearing your hearing aids, they become an integral part of your life, making it difficult to conceive of managing without them. By using a few easy precautions, you can avoid damage and ensure your hearing aids continue to be dependable for years to come. Prioritize routine upkeep, store them safely, and handle them with care, ensuring you can continue to reap the benefits of enhanced communication and a more satisfying lifestyle.
Make an appointment if you’re experiencing issues with your hearing aid or need to set up a regular maintenance appointment.
