After you have become familiar with wearing your hearing aid, it becomes a vital element of your day-to-day routine. The likelihood of a malfunction can be worrysome, as it causes not only a disturbance to everyday life, but also a substantial financial burden in the form of repair or replacement expenses.
Tips for caring for and optimizing your hearing aid functionality
Recognizing what can damage your hearing aid and knowing how to maintain it effectively will help you maintain its performance and ensure it continues to improve your quality of life.
Effective upkeep of batteries
Your hearing aid’s functionality is heavily dependent on its battery. Hence, it is important to select the correct batteries for your device. Consult with your hearing specialist to determine the best battery variety for your model.
It is just as important to handle the batteries carefully. The natural oils, dirt, and moisture on your skin can pass on to the batteries and cause contamination, jeopardizing their performance and potentially causing damage.
Always clean your hands before changing the battery, and make sure they are completely dried to prevent introducing moisture into the device.
Adhere to the manufacturer’s instructions meticulously, particularly concerning battery care. Power off your hearing aid when it’s not being used to preserve battery life and store it in a safe, dry place. Knowing the average lifespan of a battery can also be really handy.
Mark on your calendar when you replace the battery, so you can prepare for when it needs to be switched out. To avoid being stuck without power, always carry a spare battery with you, particularly when you’re away from home.
Minimize the risk of moisture damage
Hearing aids, being technological devices, are vulnerable to moisture. Even nominal exposure can result in damage or a total malfunction of the device. Safeguard your hearing aid’s performance by purchasing a specialized drying device to preserve its functionality by removing moisture. This device provides a safe and dry environment for your hearing aid when not in use, safeguarding it from damage related to excessive moisture.
To protect your hearing aid from water damage, it’s a smart idea to take it out before participating in activities that make you perspire heavily. Having said that, speak with your hearing specialist first, as taking out your hearing aid during exercise, especially outdoors, might pose safety risks by reducing your ability to hear external sounds like traffic or alarms. If possible, choose to work out inside where it is safer to remove 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 your ear. These products contain moisture and chemicals that can accumulate on the device, resulting in long-term damage. Use these products before putting on your hearing aid to decrease exposure.
Manage earwax buildup
Although earwax plays a protective role by keeping dust, insects, and other foreign debris out of your ears, it can pose a challenge for your hearing aid. Earwax can accumulate in the device, causing it to fail. To control this, have your ears examined by your hearing specialist or doctor to evaluate the level of earwax buildup and create an appropriate cleaning routine for both your ears and your hearing aid.
It is necessary to clean your ears safely and never put anything foreign into your ear canal. Alternatively, allow warm water to stream into your ears in the course of showers, which can help disperse and flush away some of the wax. Regular professional ear cleaning is also recommended. Though this might be a bit of a hassle, it’s a trivial issue in comparison to the frustration and problems 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.
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
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 them. By applying a few basic safety measures, you can safeguard your hearing aids from harm and preserve their reliability over the long term. Regular upkeep, appropriate storage, and careful handling are key to keeping your hearing aids in optimum condition, allowing you to continue enjoying the enhanced quality of life they provide.
If you are having troubles with your hearing aid or need to book a routine maintenance appointment, please arrange for a visit.
