Once you’ve adapted to life with your hearing aid, it becomes an important part of your day-to-day regimen. The prospect of a malfunction can be worrysome, as it poses not just a disruption to everyday life, but also a substantial monetary burden in the form of repair or replacement costs.
How to best maintain your hearing aid
By being aware of the potential threats that can harm your hearing aid and taking steps to maintain it properly, you can preserve its effectiveness and continue to appreciate the improved quality of life it provides.
Proper battery upkeep
Your hearing aid’s functionality is highly dependent on its battery. Therefore, selecting the correct batteries for your device is essential. Consult with your audiologist to find out which battery type is most suitable for your specific hearing aid model.
It is just as important to handle the batteries with care. Oils, dirt, and moisture from your hands can contaminate the batteries, resulting in potential damage.
Always clean your hands before changing the battery, and be certain they are completely dried to avoid introducing moisture into the device.
Adhere closely to the manufacturer’s directions, especially regarding battery maintenance. To prolong the battery life of your hearing aid, be certain to power it off when not wearing it and keep it stored in a secure, dry spot. Knowing the average lifespan of a battery can also be really handy.
Note on your calendar when you change the battery, so you can anticipate when it needs to be switched out. It’s important to have a fresh battery with you at all times, particularly when you are not at home, in order to prevent being left without power unexpectedly.
Prevent moisture damage
Hearing aids, being technological devices, are vulnerable to moisture. Even minimal exposure can result in damage or a total malfunction of the device. To protect your hearing aid, consider purchasing a dehumidifier developed specifically for hearing aids. This unit provides a safe and dry atmosphere for your hearing aid when not in use, safeguarding it from damage related to excessive moisture.
To safeguard your hearing aid from moisture damage, it’s a good plan to take it out before taking part in activities that make you sweat heavily. Consult taking off your hearing aid to workout, particularly outside, with your hearing specialist, as doing so could jeopardize your safety by decreasing your awareness of important auditory cues, including traffic noises or warning alarms. If necessary, opt for indoor exercise where it’s safer to be without your hearing aid, and always remember to remove your device before showering or swimming.
Furthermore, it is recommended to avoid 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 accumulate on the device, resulting in long-term damage. Use these products before putting on your hearing aid to decrease exposure.
Manage earwax buildup
Although 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 malfunction. To control 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 flow into your ears in the course of showers, which can help break up and flush away some of the wax. It is also recommended to have your ears cleaned regularly by a professional. While this might seem inconvenient, it’s significantly less troublesome than dealing with 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 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
After you’ve become accustomed to wearing your hearing aids, they become an indispensable part of your life, making it difficult to imagine managing without having them. By using a few simple precautions, you can avoid damage and ensure your hearing aids continue to be dependable for years to come. Prioritize routine upkeep, store them properly, and handle them with care, ensuring you can continue to reap the benefits of improved communication and a more satisfying lifestyle.
Make an appointment if you’re experiencing problems with your hearing aid or need to schedule a regular maintenance appointment.