After you have become familiar with wearing your hearing aid, it becomes an important element of your daily routine. The prospect of a breakdown can be worrysome, as it presents not just a disturbance to everyday life, but also a significant monetary burden in the form of repair or replacement costs.
How to properly care for your hearing aid
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 enhance your quality of life.
Proper battery care
The performance of your hearing aid relies considerably on its battery. Hence, it is essential to pick the correct 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 equally important. The natural oils, dirt, and moisture on your skin can transfer to the batteries and cause contamination, compromising their functionality and potentially causing damage.
Always wash your hands before swapping out the battery, and be certain they are thoroughly dried to avoid introducing moisture into the device.
Adhere to the manufacturer’s guidelines meticulously, especially regarding battery care. Turn off your hearing aid when it’s not in use to protect battery life and keep it in a safe, dry place. Knowing the typical lifespan of a battery can also be quite handy.
Make a note on your calendar each time you change the battery, so you can predict when it will need changing again. To avoid being caught without power, always carry a spare battery with you, especially when you’re away from home.
Minimize the risk of moisture damage
As electronic technology, hearing aids are susceptible to moisture. Even brief contact can bring about harm or complete failure of the device. To safeguard your hearing aid, consider investing in a dehumidifier designed specifically for hearing aids. This device supplies a secure and dry atmosphere for your hearing aid when not in use, protecting it from damage caused by unwanted 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 sweat heavily. Consult taking off your hearing aid to exercise, especially outside, with your hearing specialist, as doing so may compromise your safety by reducing your recognition of important auditory cues, including traffic noises or warning alarms. If possible, opt to exercise indoors where it is safer to take out 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 use. These products contain moisture and chemicals that can build up on the device, resulting in long-term damage. Use these products before putting on your hearing aid to minimize exposure.
Control earwax buildup
Although earwax plays a defensive role by keeping dust, insects, and other foreign debris out of your ears, it can pose a challenge for your hearing aid. The accumulation of earwax in the device can result in it not functioning correctly. For proper maintenance, schedule an appointment with your audiologist or doctor to evaluate the amount of earwax accumulation and establish an individualized cleaning plan tailored to your ears and hearing device.
It is necessary to clean your ears carefully and never put anything foreign into your ear canal. Alternatively, allow warm water to stream into your ears during showers, which can help break up and flush away some of the wax. Regular professional ear cleaning is also recommended. While this might seem inconvenient, it’s much less troublesome than managing a malfunctioning hearing aid dued to excessive 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.
Simple methods to ensure 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 simple precautions, you can avoid damage and ensure your hearing aids remain reliable for years to come. Routine upkeep, appropriate storage, and careful handling are essential to keeping your hearing aids in optimum condition, allowing you to keep enjoying the enhanced 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.