After you have become familiar with wearing your hearing aid, it becomes an important element of your day-to-day schedule. The prospect of a breakdown can be distressing, as it presents not only a disruption to everyday life, but also a substantial monetary burden in the form of repair or replacement costs.
How to properly maintain your hearing aid
By being aware of the prospective hazards that can harm your hearing aid and taking steps to care for it properly, you can protect its effectiveness and continue to appreciate the increased quality of life it offers.
Proper battery upkeep
The performance of your hearing aid depends considerably on its battery. Hence, it is essential to choose the appropriate batteries for your device. Consult with your hearing specialist to determine the best battery type for your model.
It is just as important to handle the batteries carefully. Oils, dirt, and moisture from your hands can contaminate the batteries, resulting in 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, particularly regarding 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. Knowing the average lifespan of a battery can also be quite helpful.
Note on your calendar when you change the battery, so you can anticipate when it needs to be replaced. It’s important to have a fresh 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.
Protect against moisture
Hearing aids, being technological devices, are vulnerable to moisture. Even minor exposure can lead to damage or a complete malfunction of the device. To protect your hearing aid, think about investing in a dehumidifier designed specifically for hearing aids. This device can safely store your hearing aid when it’s not in use, keeping it dry and free from moisture-related issues.
To protect your hearing aid from water damage, it’s a good plan to take it out before participating in activities that make you perspire heavily. Consult taking off your hearing aid to workout, particularly outdoors, with your hearing specialist, as doing so could compromise your safety by decreasing your awareness of important auditory cues, such as traffic noises or warning alarms. If possible, choose 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.
Moreover, it is suggested to refrain from using spray deodorants, hairspray, and any other aerosol products when your hearing aid is in your ear. Prolonged exposure to these products can lead to harm to the device, as the moisture and chemicals they contain can accumulate and result in lasting degredation over time. Use these products before putting on your hearing aid to decrease exposure.
Avoid excessive ear wax accumulation
Although earwax plays a protective 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. For correct maintenance, schedule an appointment with your audiologist or doctor to evaluate the amount of earwax accumulation and develop a personalized cleaning plan tailored to your ears and hearing device.
Cleaning your ears safely is vital– never insert foreign objects into your ear canal. Instead of that, let warm water enter your ears while you are showering. This can assist in breaking down and eliminating some of the earwax. It is also suggested to have your ears cleaned routinely by a professional. While this may seem inconvenient, it’s far less troublesome than managing a malfunctioning hearing aid caused by 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’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.
Easy methods to ensure lasting dependability
Once you get used to wearing your hearing aids, they become a critical facet of your daily routine, making it hard to envision life without them. By implementing a few basic safety strategies, you can safeguard your hearing aids from harm and preserve their reliability over the long term. Routine 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 problems with your hearing aid or need to set up a regular maintenance appointment.
