Once you’ve adapted to life with your hearing aid, it becomes an important part of your everyday routine. The prospect of a malfunction can be unsettling, as it poses not only a disruption to everyday life, but also a significant financial burden in the form of repair or replacement costs.
How to best take care of your hearing aid
Being aware of what can damage your hearing aid and learning how to care for it correctly will help you maintain its performance and ensure it continues to improve your quality of life.
Proper battery care
Your hearing aid’s functionality is heavily dependent on its battery. Thus, it is important to select the right batteries for your device. Consult 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. Oils, dirt, and moisture from your hands can contaminate the batteries, leading to potential damage.
Always wash your hands before changing the battery, and be certain they are thoroughly dried to prevent introducing moisture into the device.
Stick directly to the manufacturer’s directions, especially pertaining to battery upkeep. To increase the battery life of your hearing aid, make sure to power it down when not wearing it and keep it stored in a secure, dry spot. Familiarizing yourself with the battery’s typical lifespan is also worthwhile.
Make a note on your calendar every time you replace the battery, so you can predict when it will need changing again. It’s essential to have a spare battery with you at all times, particularly when you are not at home, in order to avoid being left without power all of a sudden.
Prevent moisture damage
As electronic devices, hearing aids are susceptible to moisture. Even brief contact can cause harm or complete failure of the device. Safeguard your hearing aid’s performance by acquiring a specialized drying device to maintain its functionality by getting rid of moisture. This unit supplies a safe and dry environment for your hearing aid when not in use, protecting it from damage caused by excessive moisture.
To safeguard your hearing aid from water damage, it’s a good idea to take it out before taking part in activities that make you perspire heavily. Consult taking off your hearing aid to exercise, particularly outdoors, with your hearing specialist, as doing so could jeopardize your safety by decreasing your recognition of essential auditory cues, including traffic noises or warning alarms. If possible, opt to work out indoors where it is safer to take out your hearing aid, and make sure to remove your device before showering or swimming.
Also, avoid using hairspray, spray deodorants, and other aerosol products while using your hearing aid. Prolonged exposure to these products can cause harm to the device, as the moisture and chemicals they contain can build up and result in lasting degredation over time. In order to decrease exposure, use these kinds of products before putting in your hearing aids.
Manage earwax buildup
While earwax serves as a natural shield, protecting your ears from debris, dirt, and small insects, it can also interfere with the proper performance of your hearing aid. Earwax can build up in the device, causing it to malfunction. 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.
It is necessary to clean your ears safely and never put anything foreign into your ear canal. Alternatively, allow warm water to flow into your ears during showers, which can help disperse and wash away some of the wax. Routine professional ear cleaning is also recommended. Even though this may be a bit of a hassle, it’s a trivial problem compared to the disappointment and problems that can occur from a hearing aid that’s not working effectively due to a buildup of earwax.
To properly clean your hearing aid, carefully adhere to the guidelines provided by the manufacturer.
Different types of hearing aids may require different cleaning techniques, and using the wrong method could cause harm to 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.
Basic steps for lasting dependability
Once you get used to wearing your hearing aids, they become a critical aspect of your daily routine, making it difficult to picture life without them. By using a few easy safety measures, you can prevent damage and ensure your hearing aids remain reliable for years to come. Prioritize routine maintenance, store them properly, and handle them with care, ensuring you can continue to reap the benefits of improved 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.