Once you’ve adjusted to life with your hearing aid, it becomes an indispensable part of your day-to-day routine. The prospect of a breakdown can be unsettling, as it presents not just a disturbance to daily life, but also a considerable monetary burden in the form of repair or replacement expenses.
Tips for caring for and maximizing your hearing aid functionality
By recognizing the potential threats that can harm your hearing aid and taking measures to maintain it properly, you can protect its performance and continue to appreciate the increased quality of life it provides.
Proper battery upkeep
The performance of your hearing aid depends greatly on its battery. Therefore, selecting the correct batteries for your device is crucial. Speak with your hearing specialist to figure out the best battery variety for your model.
It is just as significant to handle the batteries carefully. Oils, dirt, and moisture from your hands can contaminate the batteries, leading to potential damage.
Before replacing the battery, make sure your hands are clean and totally dry to keep any moisture from getting into the device.
Adhere to the manufacturer’s instructions diligently, especially concerning battery care. To prolong the battery life of your hearing aid, be certain to power it down when not wearing it and keep it stored in a safe , dry spot. Knowing the average lifespan of a battery can also be really helpful.
Mark on your calendar when you change the battery, so you can prepare for when it needs to be switched out. To avoid being stuck without power, always carry a spare battery with you, particularly when you’re away from home.
Minimize the risk of moisture damage
Hearing aids, being technological devices, are vulnerable to moisture. Even nominal exposure can lead to damage or a total malfunction of the device. Safeguard your hearing aid’s performance by purchasing a specialized drying device to maintain its functionality by eliminating moisture. This device can securely store your hearing aid when it’s not being used, keeping it dry and free from moisture-related problems.
When participating in physical activities that cause sweating, you might consider taking out your hearing aid to stop moisture damage. However, consult your hearing specialist first, as taking out your hearing aid during exercise, especially outdoors, may pose safety concerns by limiting your ability to hear environmental sounds like traffic or alarms. If possible, choose to work out inside where it is safer to remove your hearing aid, and make sure to remove your device before showering or swimming.
Additionally, avoid utilizing hairspray, spray deodorants, and other aerosol items while wearing your hearing aid. These products consist of moisture and chemicals that can accumulate on the device, leading to long-term damage. In order to reduce exposure, use these kinds of products before putting in your hearing aids.
Manage earwax buildup
Although earwax plays a defensive role by keeping dust, insects, and other foreign debris out of your ears, it can present a challenge for your hearing aid. Earwax can build up in the device, causing it to breakdown. For correct maintenance, make an appointment with your audiologist or doctor to assess the amount of earwax accumulation and establish a personalized cleaning plan tailored to your ears and hearing device.
It is important to clean your ears carefully and never put anything foreign into your ear canal. Instead of that, let warm water enter your ears while you are showering. This can help in losening up and removing some of the earwax. Regular professional ear cleaning is also advisable. Though this might be a bit of a hassle, it’s a trivial issue compared to the disappointment and problems that can occur from a hearing aid that’s not functioning properly due to a buildup of 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 lasting reliability
After you’ve grown familiar with wearing your hearing aids, they become an essential part of your life, making it hard to imagine managing without them. By using a few simple precautions, you can prevent damage and ensure your hearing aids continue to be reliable for years to come. Prioritize regular upkeep, store them safely, and handle them with care, ensuring you can continue to reap the benefits of improved communication and a more satisfying lifestyle.
If you are having difficulties with your hearing aid or need to schedule a routine maintenance appointment, please arrange for a visit.
