Once you’ve adapted to life with your hearing aid, it becomes an important part of your everyday regimen. The idea of it breaking down can be intimidating, not just because of the hassle but also thanks to the prospective cost of repairs or replacements.
How to properly care for your hearing aid
By being aware of the prospective hazards that can harm your hearing aid and taking steps to care for it correctly, you can preserve its effectiveness and continue to appreciate the increased quality of life it offers.
Effective care of batteries
The effectiveness of your hearing aid relies greatly on its battery. As a result, selecting the appropriate 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.
It is equally important to handle the batteries carefully. Oils, dirt, and moisture from your hands can contaminate the batteries, resulting in potential damage.
Prior to switching out the battery, ensure your hands are clean and totally dry to keep any moisture from getting into the device.
Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines diligently, especially concerning battery care. To extend the battery life of your hearing aid, make sure to power it down when not using it and keep it stored in a secure, dry spot. Familiarizing yourself with the battery’s typical lifespan is also helpful.
Note on your calendar when you change the battery, so you can prepare for when it needs to be switched out. It’s essential to have a fresh battery with you at all times, specifically when you are not at home, in order to prevent being stuck without power all of a sudden.
Prevent moisture damage
Hearing aids, being electronic devices, are susceptible to moisture. Even minor exposure can result in damage or a complete breakdown of the device. To safeguard your hearing aid, consider purchasing a dehumidifier developed specifically for hearing aids. This device can safely store your hearing aid when it’s not being used, keeping it dry and free from moisture-related problems.
When participating in physical activities that cause sweating, you may think about removing your hearing aid to prevent moisture damage. Consult taking off your hearing aid to workout, especially outside, with your hearing specialist, as doing so may compromise your safety by decreasing your awareness of essential auditory cues, such as traffic noises or warning alarms. If possible, opt to work out indoors where it is safer to remove your hearing aid, and make sure to remove your device before bathing or swimming.
Furthermore, it is suggested to refrain from using spray deodorants, hairspray, and any other aerosol products when your hearing aid is in use. Extended exposure to these products can lead to harm to the device, as the moisture and chemicals they consist of can build up and lead to irreversible degradation over time. Apply these products before mounting your hearing aid to decrease exposure.
Prevent excessive ear wax accumulation
Though earwax plays a defensive role by keeping dust, insects, and other foreign debris out of your ears, it can present a challenge for your hearing aid. The accumulation of earwax in the device can lead to it not functioning correctly. To manage this, have your ears checked out by your hearing specialist or physician to assess 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. Instead, allow warm water to flow into your ears in the course of showers, which can help disperse and flush away some of the wax. Routine professional ear cleaning is also advisable. Even though this might be a bit of a hassle, it’s a trivial problem in comparison to the frustration and complications that can occur 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.
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.
Basic steps for lasting reliability
Once you get used to wearing your hearing aids, they become a crucial facet of your daily routine, making it difficult to picture life without them. By incorporating a few basic safety strategies, you can safeguard your hearing aids from damage and maintain their reliability over the long term. Regular upkeep, appropriate storage, and careful handling are key to keeping your hearing aids in optimal condition, allowing you to keep enjoying the improved quality of life they provide.
Make an appointment if you’re experiencing issues with your hearing aid or need to set up a regular maintenance appointment.
