Once you’ve adapted to life with your hearing aid, it becomes an indispensable part of your everyday regimen. The thought of it breaking down can be challenging, not only because of the hassle but also thanks to the prospective cost of repairs or replacements.
How to properly take care of your hearing aid
Understanding what can damage your hearing aid and learning how to maintain it correctly will help you maintain its functionality and ensure it continues to enrich your quality of life.
Effective upkeep of batteries
The effectiveness of your hearing aid depends significantly on its battery. As a result, choosing the correct batteries for your hearing aid is crucial. Consult with your hearing specialist to figure out the ideal battery type for your model.
It is just as significant to handle the batteries with care. The natural oils, dirt, and moisture on your skin can transfer to the batteries and cause contamination, compromising their performance and potentially causing damage.
Prior to switching out the battery, ensure your hands are clean and completely dry to keep any moisture from entering the device.
Adhere directly to the manufacturer’s instructions, particularly pertaining to battery upkeep. Turn off your hearing aid when it’s not being used to protect battery life and keep it in a secure , dry place. Familiarizing yourself with the battery’s typical lifespan is also worthwhile.
Note on your calendar when you change the battery, so you can prepare for when it needs to be switched out. To avoid being stuck without power, always bring a spare battery with you, particularly when you’re away from home.
Protect against moisture
Hearing aids, being technological devices, are vulnerable to moisture. Even minimal exposure can result in damage or a total malfunction of the device. To safeguard your hearing aid, consider purchasing a dehumidifier developed specifically for hearing aids. This unit supplies a safe and dry environment for your hearing aid when not in use, safeguarding it from damage related to unwanted moisture.
When participating in physical activities that trigger sweating, you might think about removing your hearing aid to prevent moisture damage. Having said that, consult your hearing specialist first, as removing your hearing aid during exercise, especially outdoors, might pose safety risks by limiting your ability to hear external sounds like traffic or alarms. If necessary, go with indoor exercise where it’s safer to be without your hearing aid, and always remember to remove your device before showering or swimming.
Furthermore, it is recommended 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 contain can build up and lead to lasting degredation over time. In order to reduce exposure, use these kinds of products before putting in your hearing aids.
Avoid excessive ear wax accumulation
Though earwax plays a protective role by keeping dust, insects, and other foreign particles out of your ears, it can present a problem for your hearing aid. Earwax can accumulate in the device, causing it to malfunction. To manage 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.
Cleaning your ears safely is essential– never insert foreign objects into your ear canal. Instead of that, let warm water enter your ears while you shower. This can help in breaking down and removing some of the earwax. Routine professional ear cleaning is also advisable. While this may seem inconvenient, it’s far less troublesome than managing a malfunctioning hearing aid dued to excessive 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’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.
Simple methods to ensure lasting dependability
Once you get used to wearing your hearing aids, they become a crucial aspect of your day-to-day routine, making it difficult to envision life without them. By taking a few easy precautions, you can avoid damage and ensure your hearing aids continue to be reliable for years to come. Prioritize routine upkeep, store them properly, and handle them with care, ensuring you can continue to reap the benefits of enhanced communication and a more fulfilling lifestyle.
If you are having troubles with your hearing aid or need to schedule a routine maintenance appointment, please arrange for a visit.