After you have become familiar with wearing your hearing aid, it becomes an important element of your everyday schedule. The prospect of a malfunction can be distressing, as it poses not only a disturbance to everyday life, but also a significant financial burden in the form of repair or replacement costs.
Tips for maintaining and optimizing your hearing aid functionality
By recognizing the prospective hazards that can damage your hearing aid and taking steps to maintain it correctly, you can preserve its performance and continue to enjoy the improved quality of life it offers.
Proper battery maintenance
The effectiveness of your hearing aid depends significantly on its battery. As a result, choosing the correct batteries for your hearing aid is essential. Discuss with your audiologist to find out which battery type is most suitable for your specific hearing aid model.
It is just as significant to handle the batteries with care. Oils, dirt, and moisture from your hands can contaminate the batteries, leading to potential damage.
Always wash your hands before swapping out the battery, and be certain they are completely dried to avoid introducing moisture into the device.
Stick closely to the manufacturer’s directions, particularly pertaining to battery maintenance. Power off your hearing aid when it’s not being used to protect battery life and store it in a safe, dry place. Knowing the average lifespan of a battery can also be really helpful.
Mark on your calendar when you replace the battery, so you can anticipate when it needs to be replaced. 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.
Protect against moisture
Hearing aids, being technological devices, are susceptible to moisture. Even slight contact can cause harm or total failure of the device. To protect your hearing aid, consider purchasing a dehumidifier designed 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 engaging in physical activities that trigger sweating, you may think about taking out your hearing aid to stop moisture damage. Consult taking off your hearing aid to exercise, particularly outside, with your hearing specialist, as doing so could jeopardize your safety by decreasing your recognition of important auditory cues, including traffic noises or warning alarms. If necessary, opt for indoor exercise where it’s safer to be without your hearing aid, and always remember to take out your device before showering 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 contain moisture and chemicals that can accumulate on the device, resulting in long-term damage. In order to minimize exposure, use these kinds of products before putting in your hearing aids.
Manage earwax buildup
Though earwax plays a defensive role by keeping dust, insects, and other foreign particles out of your ears, it can pose a challenge for your hearing aid. The buildup of earwax in the device can result in it not functioning properly. To manage this, have your ears checked out 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.
Cleaning your ears safely is crucial– never insert foreign objects into your ear canal. Instead of that, let warm water go into your ears while you are showering. This can help in breaking down and removing some of the earwax. It is also suggested to have your ears cleaned regularly by a professional. Even though this might be a bit of a hassle, it’s a trivial problem compared to the disappointment and complications that can occur from a hearing aid that’s not working effectively due to 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’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 long-term reliability
After you’ve become familiar with wearing your hearing aids, they become an essential part of your life, making it difficult to envision managing without them. By taking a few simple precautions, you can avoid damage and ensure your hearing aids remain dependable for years to come. Routine maintenance, proper storage, and careful handling are key to keeping your hearing aids in optimal condition, allowing you to continue enjoying the improved quality of life they provide.
If you are having difficulties with your hearing aid or need to schedule a routine maintenance appointment, please arrange for a visit.