After you have become familiar with wearing your hearing aid, it becomes a critical element of your day-to-day schedule. The prospect of a malfunction can be worrysome, as it presents not just a disruption to everyday life, but also a substantial financial burden in the form of repair or replacement costs.
Tips for maintaining and maximizing your hearing aid performance
Understanding what can damage your hearing aid and knowing how to maintain it properly will help you maintain its functionality and ensure it continues to enrich your quality of life.
Practical upkeep of batteries
Your hearing aid’s functionality is highly dependent on its battery. Hence, it is important to choose the appropriate 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. Oils, dirt, and moisture from your hands can contaminate the batteries, leading to potential damage.
Always clean your hands before changing the battery, and be certain they are completely dried to prevent introducing moisture into the device.
Adhere to the manufacturer’s instructions meticulously, especially regarding battery care. To increase the battery life of your hearing aid, be certain to power it off when not using it and keep it stored in a secure, dry location. Familiarizing yourself with the battery’s typical lifespan is also beneficial.
Mark on your calendar when you change the battery, so you can anticipate when it needs to be replaced. To avoid being caught without power, always carry a spare battery with you, particularly when you’re away from home.
Guard against moisture
Hearing aids, being electronic devices, are susceptible to moisture. Even minimal exposure can lead to damage or a total malfunction of the device. Protect your hearing aid’s performance by purchasing a specialized drying device to preserve its functionality by eliminating moisture. This device supplies a safe and dry atmosphere for your hearing aid when not in use, protecting it from damage caused by unwanted moisture.
When participating in physical activities that cause sweating, you may consider taking out your hearing aid to stop moisture damage. Consult taking off your hearing aid to workout, particularly outside, with your hearing specialist, as doing so could compromise your safety by decreasing your recognition of important auditory cues, including traffic noises or warning alarms. If possible, opt to work out inside where it is safer to take out your hearing aid, and make sure to remove your device before bathing or swimming.
Also, avoid utilizing 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. In order to reduce exposure, use these kinds of products before putting in your hearing aids.
Avoid excessive ear wax accumulation
Though earwax plays a defensive role by keeping dust, insects, and other foreign particles out of your ears, it can pose a challenge for your hearing aid. Earwax can build up in the device, causing it to fail. For correct maintenance, make an appointment with your audiologist or doctor to evaluate the amount of earwax build-up and develop a personalized cleaning plan tailored to your ears and hearing device.
Cleaning your ears safely is crucial– never insert foreign objects into your ear canal. Instead of that, let warm water go into your ears while you shower. This can assist in losening up and eliminating some of the earwax. Regular professional ear cleaning is also advisable. While this might seem inconvenient, it’s far less problematic than dealing with 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.
Basic steps for continued dependability
Once you get used to wearing 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 measures, you can safeguard your hearing aids from harm and preserve their reliability over the long run. Prioritize routine maintenance, store them safely, and handle them with care, ensuring you can continue to reap the benefits of enhanced communication and a more satisfying lifestyle.
If you are having problems with your hearing aid or need to book a routine maintenance appointment, please arrange for a visit.