After you have become familiar with wearing your hearing aid, it becomes an essential element of your everyday routine. The prospect of a malfunction can be worrysome, as it presents not just a disruption to everyday life, but also a considerable financial burden in the form of repair or replacement costs.
Tips for maintaining and optimizing your hearing aid performance
Comprehending what can damage your hearing aid and knowing how to maintain it effectively will help you maintain its performance and ensure it continues to improve your quality of life.
Effective upkeep of batteries
Your hearing aid’s performance is highly dependent on its battery. Therefore, picking the correct batteries for your hearing aid is crucial. Talk to your hearing specialist to determine the ideal battery type for your 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 causing damage.
Prior to switching out the battery, ensure your hands are clean and completely dry to keep any moisture from getting into the device.
Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines diligently, 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 location. Knowing the typical lifespan of a battery can also be very helpful.
Make a note on your calendar every time you change the battery, so you can predict when it will need 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 technological devices, are vulnerable to moisture. Even brief contact can cause harm or complete failure of the device. To protect your hearing aid, think about investing in a dehumidifier developed specifically for hearing aids. This device can safely store your hearing aid when it’s not being used, keeping it dry and free from moisture-related problems.
To protect your hearing aid from moisture damage, it’s a smart plan to take it out before taking part in activities that make you sweat heavily. Consult taking off your hearing aid to exercise, particularly outdoors, 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, choose 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.
Moreover, it is recommended to avoid using spray deodorants, hairspray, and any other aerosol products when your hearing aid is in use. These products consist of moisture and chemicals that can build up on the device, resulting in long-term damage. In order to reduce exposure, use these types of products before putting in your hearing aids.
Avoid excessive ear wax accumulation
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. Earwax can build up in the device, causing it to malfunction. For proper maintenance, make an appointment with your audiologist or doctor to evaluate the amount of earwax accumulation and develop a customized cleaning plan tailored to your ears and hearing device.
Cleaning your ears safely is essential– never insert foreign objects into your ear canal. Alternatively, allow warm water to flow into your ears during showers, which can help break up and flush away some of the wax. Routine professional ear cleaning is also recommended. Even though this may be a bit of a hassle, it’s a trivial issue compared to the disappointment and complications that can occur from a hearing aid that’s not working properly as a result of a buildup of 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’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 techniques to ensure lasting reliability
After you’ve grown accustomed to wearing your hearing aids, they become an indispensable part of your life, making it hard to imagine managing without having them. By using a few simple precautions, you can avoid damage and ensure your hearing aids remain reliable for years to come. Regular maintenance, proper storage, and careful handling are essential to keeping your hearing aids in optimal condition, allowing you to keep enjoying the enhanced 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.