After you have become familiar with wearing your hearing aid, it becomes an essential element of your daily schedule. The prospect of a breakdown can be distressing, as it causes not just a disruption to everyday life, but also a substantial monetary burden in the form of repair or replacement expenses.
How to properly maintain your hearing aid
Being aware of what can damage your hearing aid and learning how to maintain it properly will help you maintain its performance and ensure it continues to enrich your quality of life.
Proper battery maintenance
Your hearing aid’s performance is highly dependent on its battery. Thus, it is important to pick the appropriate batteries for your device. Consult with your hearing specialist to figure out the best battery variety for your model.
It is equally important to handle the batteries carefully. Oils, dirt, and moisture from your hands can contaminate the batteries, leading to potential damage.
Always clean your hands before changing the battery, and make sure they are completely dried to prevent introducing moisture into the device.
Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines meticulously, especially concerning 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 beneficial.
Note on your calendar when you replace the battery, so you can anticipate when it needs to be replaced. It’s important to have a fresh battery with you at all times, specifically when you are not at home, in order to prevent being left without power unexpectedly.
Guard against moisture
Hearing aids, being technological devices, are vulnerable to moisture. Even slight contact can cause harm or total failure of the device. Safeguard your hearing aid’s functionality by purchasing a specialized drying device to preserve its functionality by getting rid of moisture. This unit supplies a secure and dry atmosphere for your hearing aid when not in use, safeguarding it from damage caused by unwanted moisture.
When engaging in physical activities that trigger sweating, you may think about taking out your hearing aid to prevent moisture damage. Having said that, speak with your hearing specialist first, as taking out your hearing aid during exercise, particularly outdoors, may pose safety concerns by limiting your ability to hear environmental sounds like traffic or 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 going for a swim.
Furthermore, it is recommended to refrain from 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 accumulate on the device, resulting in long-term damage. Use these products before putting on your hearing aid to minimize exposure.
Avoid excessive ear wax accumulation
Although earwax serves as a natural shield, protecting your ears from debris, dirt, and tiny insects, it can also hamper the effective functioning of your hearing aid. The accumulation of earwax in the device can lead to it not functioning correctly. For correct maintenance, make an appointment with your audiologist or doctor to evaluate the amount of earwax build-up and develop a customized cleaning plan suited to your ears and hearing device.
Cleaning your ears safely is essential– never insert any objects 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. 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.
When it comes to cleaning your hearing aid, follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
Various kinds of hearing aids may need specific cleaning methods, and using an incorrect technique might damage 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.
Basic steps for long-term dependability
Once you get used to wearing your hearing aids, they become a crucial facet of your daily routine, making it difficult to picture life without them. By taking a few basic precautions, you can avoid damage and ensure your hearing aids remain reliable for years to come. Regular upkeep, appropriate storage, and cautious handling are essential to keeping your hearing aids in optimum condition, allowing you to keep enjoying the enhanced quality of life they provide.
Make an appointment if you’re experiencing issues with your hearing aid or need to schedule a regular maintenance appointment.
