Once you’ve adapted to life with your hearing aid, it becomes an indispensable part of your day-to-day regimen. The idea of it malfunctioning can be challenging, not only because of the hassle but also because of the prospective cost of repairs or replacements.
Tips for maintaining and maximizing your hearing aid performance
By being aware of the prospective hazards that can damage your hearing aid and taking steps to care for it properly, you can protect its performance and continue to appreciate the increased quality of life it offers.
Practical care of batteries
Your hearing aid’s performance is heavily dependent on its battery. As a result, choosing the appropriate batteries for your device is essential. Discuss 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 wash your hands before swapping out the battery, and make sure they are thoroughly dried to avoid introducing moisture into the device.
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions meticulously, particularly concerning battery care. To increase the battery life of your hearing aid, be certain to power it down when not using it and keep it stored in a secure, dry spot. Knowing the average lifespan of a battery can also be quite handy.
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 caught without power, always carry 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 total failure of the device. Protect your hearing aid’s functionality by purchasing a specialized drying device to maintain its functionality by eliminating moisture. This device supplies a secure and dry environment for your hearing aid when not in use, protecting it from damage caused by excessive moisture.
To safeguard your hearing aid from water damage, it’s a good idea to take it out before participating in activities that make you sweat heavily. However, consult your hearing specialist first, as removing your hearing aid during exercise, especially outdoors, may pose safety concerns by reducing 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.
Additionally, avoid using hairspray, spray deodorants, and other aerosol products while using your hearing aid. Extended exposure to these products can lead to harm to the device, as the moisture and chemicals they consist of can accumulate and lead to permanent deterioration over time. Use these products before putting on your hearing aid to decrease exposure.
Manage earwax buildup
While earwax serves as a natural shield, shielding your ears from debris, dirt, and tiny insects, it can also interfere with the proper performance of your hearing aid. Earwax can accumulate in the device, causing it to fail. To manage this, have your ears examined by your hearing specialist or doctor to evaluate the level of earwax buildup and create an appropriate cleaning routine for both your ears and your hearing aid.
It is necessary to clean your ears carefully and never put anything foreign into your ear canal. As opposed to that, let warm water enter your ears while you shower. This can help in breaking down and removing some of the earwax. It is also suggested to have your ears cleaned regularly by a professional. While this may seem inconvenient, it’s far less problematic than managing a malfunctioning hearing aid dued to excessive earwax.
To properly clean your hearing aid, carefully adhere to the guidelines provided by the manufacturer.
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 reliability
Once you get used to wearing your hearing aids, they become a critical aspect of your day-to-day routine, making it difficult to envision life without them. By applying a few simple safety measures, you can protect your hearing aids from harm and preserve their reliability over the long term. Regular upkeep, proper storage, and cautious handling are essential to keeping your hearing aids in optimum condition, allowing you to continue enjoying the enhanced quality of life they provide.
Schedule an appointment if you’re experiencing issues with your hearing aid or need to schedule a regular maintenance appointment.
