Once you’ve adapted to life with your hearing aid, it becomes an important part of your day-to-day regimen. The idea of it breaking down can be daunting, not just because of the hassle but also due to the prospective cost of repairs or replacements.
How to properly care for your hearing aid
Comprehending what can damage your hearing aid and knowing how to maintain it properly will help you maintain its performance and ensure it continues to enhance your quality of life.
Proper battery care
The effectiveness of your hearing aid relies significantly on its battery. Thus, it is important to pick the correct batteries for your device. Speak with your hearing specialist to figure out the best battery type for your model.
Handling the batteries with care is equally important. Oils, dirt, and moisture from your hands can contaminate the batteries, leading to potential damage.
Prior to replacing the battery, make sure your hands are clean and thoroughly dry to keep any moisture from getting into the device.
Adhere to the manufacturer’s guidelines meticulously, especially regarding battery care. To increase the battery life of your hearing aid, make sure to power it off when not using it and keep it stored in a safe , dry spot. Familiarizing yourself with the battery’s normal lifespan is also worthwhile.
Make a note on your calendar each time you replace the battery, so you can predict when it will need changing again. To avoid being stuck without power, always carry a spare battery with you, particularly when you’re away from home.
Prevent moisture damage
Hearing aids, being electronic devices, are susceptible to moisture. Even minimal exposure can result in damage or a total malfunction of the device. To protect your hearing aid, consider investing in a dehumidifier developed specifically for hearing aids. This unit provides a safe and dry atmosphere for your hearing aid when not in use, protecting it from damage related to unwanted moisture.
When participating in physical activities that trigger sweating, you might think about taking out your hearing aid to stop moisture damage. Consult taking off your hearing aid to exercise, especially outdoors, with your hearing specialist, as doing so may compromise your safety by decreasing your recognition of essential auditory cues, such as traffic noises or warning alarms. If necessary, go with indoor exercise where it’s safer to be without your hearing aid, and always remember to remove your device before showering or swimming.
Additionally, avoid using hairspray, spray deodorants, and other aerosol items while wearing your hearing aid. Extended exposure to these products can lead to harm to the device, as the moisture and chemicals they contain can accumulate and lead to lasting deterioration over time. Apply these products before putting on your hearing aid to reduce exposure.
Avoid excessive ear wax accumulation
While earwax serves as a natural barrier, protecting your ears from debris, dirt, and tiny insects, it can also hamper the effective functioning of your hearing aid. The buildup of earwax in the device can lead to it not functioning properly. For correct maintenance, schedule an appointment with your audiologist or doctor to assess the amount of earwax accumulation and establish a customized cleaning plan tailored to your ears and hearing device.
It is necessary to clean your ears safely and never put anything foreign into your ear canal. As opposed to that, let warm water enter your ears while you are showering. This can help in losening up and eliminating some of the earwax. It is also suggested to have your ears cleaned regularly by a professional. While this may seem inconvenient, it’s significantly less troublesome than managing a malfunctioning hearing aid caused by excessive 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.
Easy methods to ensure lasting dependability
After you’ve become accustomed to wearing your hearing aids, they become an integral part of your life, making it difficult to imagine managing without having them. By applying a few basic safety measures, you can safeguard your hearing aids from harm and preserve their reliability over the long term. Prioritize routine maintenance, store them properly, and handle them with care, ensuring you can continue to reap the benefits of improved communication and a more fulfilling lifestyle.
Schedule an appointment if you’re experiencing issues with your hearing aid or need to schedule a regular maintenance appointment.