Once you’ve adapted to life with your hearing aid, it becomes an indispensable part of your daily regimen. The thought of it breaking down can be challenging, not only because of the inconvenience but also because of the potential expense of repairs or replacements.
How to properly care for your hearing aid
Being aware of what can damage your hearing aid and knowing how to care for it properly will help you maintain its performance and ensure it continues to enhance your quality of life.
Effective upkeep of batteries
Your hearing aid’s performance is heavily dependent on its battery. As a result, choosing the correct batteries for your device is essential. Consult with your hearing specialist to figure out the best battery variety for your model.
Handling the batteries with care is just as important. The natural oils, dirt, and moisture on your skin can pass on to the batteries and cause contamination, jeopardizing their performance and potentially causing damage.
Before switching out the battery, make sure your hands are clean and thoroughly dry to keep any moisture from entering the device.
Adhere directly to the manufacturer’s instructions, especially 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. Familiarizing yourself with the battery’s normal lifespan is also helpful.
Mark 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 avoid being left without power all of a sudden.
Minimize the risk of moisture damage
Hearing aids, being technological devices, are vulnerable to moisture. Even nominal exposure can lead to damage or a total breakdown of the device. To protect your hearing aid, consider investing in a dehumidifier developed 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.
When participating in physical activities that cause sweating, you might think about removing your hearing aid to prevent moisture damage. Having said that, speak with your hearing specialist first, as removing your hearing aid during exercise, particularly outdoors, might pose safety concerns by reducing your ability to hear external sounds like traffic or alarms. If possible, opt to exercise indoors where it is safer to remove your hearing aid, and make sure 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 cause harm to the device, as the moisture and chemicals they consist of can accumulate and result in permanent deterioration over time. In order to reduce exposure, use these types of products before putting in your hearing aids.
Control earwax buildup
Although earwax serves as a natural barrier, protecting your ears from debris, dirt, and small insects, it can also interfere with the effective functioning of your hearing aid. The buildup of earwax in the device can lead to it not working properly. To manage this, have your ears examined 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 important to clean your ears carefully and never put anything foreign into your ear canal. Instead, allow warm water to stream into your ears in the course of showers, which can help disperse and flush away some of the wax. It is also recommended to have your ears cleaned routinely by a professional. Though this may be a bit of a hassle, it’s a trivial problem compared to the disappointment and complications that can arise from a hearing aid that’s not functioning properly due to a buildup of 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 steps for lasting reliability
Once you get used to using your hearing aids, they become a crucial facet of your daily routine, making it hard to picture life without them. By using a few easy precautions, you can prevent damage and ensure your hearing aids remain reliable for years to come. Routine upkeep, proper storage, and careful handling are essential to keeping your hearing aids in optimal condition, allowing you to keep enjoying the improved quality of life they provide.
If you are having troubles with your hearing aid or need to schedule a routine maintenance appointment, please arrange for a visit.
