Once you’ve adjusted to life with your hearing aid, it becomes an important part of your everyday routine. The thought of it breaking down can be daunting, not only because of the hassle but also because of the prospective expense of repairs or replacements.
How to best care for your hearing aid
Understanding what can damage your hearing aid and knowing how to care for it properly will help you maintain its functionality and ensure it continues to enhance your quality of life.
Effective upkeep of batteries
Your hearing aid’s functionality is highly dependent on its battery. Hence, it is essential to choose the appropriate batteries for your device. Discuss 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, jeopardizing their performance and potentially leading to damage.
Always clean your hands before swapping out the battery, and make sure they are thoroughly dried to avoid introducing moisture into the device.
Adhere to the manufacturer’s guidelines diligently, particularly concerning battery care. 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 very handy.
Make a note on your calendar every time you replace the battery, so you can estimate when it will require changing again. To avoid being stuck without power, always bring a spare battery with you, especially when you’re away from home.
Prevent moisture damage
Hearing aids, being electronic devices, are susceptible to moisture. Even brief contact can cause harm or complete failure of the device. Protect your hearing aid’s functionality by purchasing a specialized drying device to preserve its functionality by getting rid of moisture. This device can safely store your hearing aid when it’s not in use, keeping it dry and free from moisture-related issues.
When engaging in physical activities that trigger sweating, you may consider removing your hearing aid to stop moisture damage. Consult taking off your hearing aid to exercise, especially outside, with your hearing specialist, as doing so could jeopardize your safety by decreasing your awareness of essential auditory cues, including traffic noises or warning alarms. If possible, opt to work out inside where it is safer to remove 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 your ear. These products contain moisture and chemicals that can build up on the device, resulting in long-term damage. Use these products before mounting your hearing aid to minimize exposure.
Control earwax buildup
Although earwax plays a protective role by keeping dust, insects, and other foreign particles out of your ears, it can present a challenge for your hearing aid. The buildup of earwax in the device can result in it not working correctly. For proper maintenance, make an appointment with your audiologist or doctor to assess the amount of earwax build-up and develop a customized cleaning plan suited to your ears and hearing device.
It is important to clean your ears carefully and never put anything foreign into your ear canal. As opposed to that, let warm water go into your ears while you shower. This can help in losening up and eliminating some of the earwax. Routine professional ear cleaning is also recommended. While this may seem inconvenient, it’s significantly 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 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 steps for lasting dependability
Once you get used to using your hearing aids, they become a crucial aspect of your daily routine, making it difficult to picture life without them. By applying a few basic safety strategies, you can protect your hearing aids from damage and preserve their reliability over the long term. Prioritize regular upkeep, store them safely, and handle them with care, ensuring you can continue to reap the benefits of enhanced communication and a more satisfying lifestyle.
Schedule an appointment if you’re experiencing problems with your hearing aid or need to set up a regular maintenance appointment.