After you have become accustomed to wearing your hearing aid, it becomes an important element of your day-to-day routine. The prospect of a breakdown can be distressing, as it causes not only a disruption to daily life, but also a substantial financial burden in the form of repair or replacement expenses.
Tips for caring for and maximizing your hearing aid performance
Being aware of what can damage your hearing aid and knowing how to care for it effectively will help you maintain its performance and ensure it continues to enrich your quality of life.
Practical upkeep of batteries
The performance of your hearing aid depends substantially on its battery. Thus, it is important to pick the correct batteries for your device. Discuss 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. The natural oils, dirt, and moisture on your skin can transfer to the batteries and result in contamination, jeopardizing their performance and potentially leading to damage.
Always wash your hands before swapping out the battery, and be certain they are completely dried to avoid introducing moisture into the device.
Adhere to the manufacturer’s instructions diligently, particularly concerning battery care. Power off your hearing aid when it’s not being used to preserve battery life and store it in a safe, dry place. Knowing the typical lifespan of a battery can also be really handy.
Make a note on your calendar each time you change the battery, so you can estimate when it will need changing again. To avoid being stuck without power, always carry a spare battery with you, particularly when you’re away from home.
Prevent moisture damage
As electronic devices, hearing aids are vulnerable to moisture. Even slight contact can bring about harm or complete 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 can safely store your hearing aid when it’s not in use, keeping it dry and free from moisture-related issues.
When engaging in physical activities that cause sweating, you may think about taking out your hearing aid to stop moisture damage. Consult taking off your hearing aid to workout, particularly outdoors, with your hearing specialist, as doing so could jeopardize your safety by decreasing your recognition of essential auditory cues, including traffic noises or warning 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 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. Prolonged exposure to these products can cause harm to the device, as the moisture and chemicals they contain can build up and lead to long-term degredation over time. Apply these products before mounting your hearing aid to reduce exposure.
Avoid excessive ear wax accumulation
Although earwax plays a defensive role by keeping dust, insects, and other foreign debris out of your ears, it can pose a challenge for your hearing aid. The accumulation of earwax in the device can result in it not functioning properly. For correct maintenance, make an appointment with your audiologist or doctor to evaluate the amount of earwax build-up and establish a customized cleaning plan suited to your ears and hearing device.
Cleaning your ears safely is vital– never insert foreign objects into your ear canal. Alternatively, allow warm water to stream into your ears during showers, which can help disperse and wash away some of the wax. Routine professional ear cleaning is also advisable. Though this might be a bit of a hassle, it’s a minor problem in comparison to the disappointment and problems that can arise from a hearing aid that’s not functioning properly due to a buildup of 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 are uncertain about how to clean your hearing aid correctly, it is recommended to seek guidance from your hearing specialist or hearing aid manufacturer.
Simple methods to ensure lasting dependability
After you’ve become accustomed to wearing your hearing aids, they become an indispensable part of your life, making it difficult to conceive of managing without having them. By taking a few simple precautions, you can avoid damage and ensure your hearing aids continue to be reliable for years to come. Routine maintenance, proper storage, and careful 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 problems with your hearing aid or need to set up a regular maintenance appointment.