Once you’ve adjusted to life with your hearing aid, it becomes an important part of your everyday regimen. The likelihood of a breakdown can be worrysome, as it causes not only a disturbance to daily life, but also a considerable financial burden in the form of repair or replacement expenses.
Tips for caring for and optimizing your hearing aid performance
By being aware of the prospective hazards that can damage your hearing aid and taking measures to maintain it properly, you can preserve its effectiveness and continue to appreciate the increased quality of life it provides.
Proper battery upkeep
Your hearing aid’s performance is highly dependent on its battery. As a result, choosing the correct batteries for your hearing aid is crucial. Talk to your hearing specialist to figure out the ideal battery variety for your model.
It is just as significant to handle the batteries with care. Oils, dirt, and moisture from your hands can contaminate the batteries, causing potential damage.
Always wash your hands before swapping out 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. Turn off your hearing aid when it’s not in use to preserve battery life and keep it in a secure , dry place. Knowing the average lifespan of a battery can also be quite handy.
Make a note on your calendar every time you change the battery, so you can estimate when it will need changing again. It’s crucial to have a spare battery with you at all times, specifically when you are not at home, in order to prevent being stuck without power unexpectedly.
Minimize the risk of moisture damage
As electronic technology, hearing aids are vulnerable to moisture. Even slight contact can bring about harm or total failure of the device. To protect your hearing aid, think about investing in a dehumidifier developed specifically for hearing aids. This device provides a secure and dry environment for your hearing aid when not in use, protecting it from damage related to excessive moisture.
When participating in physical activities that trigger sweating, you may think about taking out your hearing aid to prevent moisture damage. Consult taking off your hearing aid to workout, particularly outside, with your hearing specialist, as doing so could jeopardize your safety by decreasing your recognition of important auditory cues, including traffic noises or warning alarms. If necessary, opt for indoor exercise where it’s safer to be without your hearing aid, and always remember to take out your device before showering or swimming.
Moreover, 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, causing long-term damage. In order to decrease exposure, use these kinds of products before putting in your hearing aids.
Prevent excessive ear wax accumulation
Although earwax serves as a natural barrier, protecting your ears from debris, dirt, and tiny insects, it can also interfere with the effective performance of your hearing aid. Earwax can accumulate in the device, causing it to malfunction. To manage this, have your ears examined by your hearing specialist or doctor to assess the level of earwax buildup and create an appropriate cleaning routine for both your ears and your hearing aid.
Cleaning your ears safely is crucial– never insert foreign objects into your ear canal. Instead, 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 recommended. While this may seem inconvenient, it’s far less troublesome than dealing with a malfunctioning hearing aid caused by 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 are uncertain about how to clean your hearing aid correctly, it is recommended to seek guidance from your hearing specialist or hearing aid manufacturer.
Basic steps for long-term reliability
Once you get used to wearing your hearing aids, they become a critical facet of your daily routine, making it difficult to picture life without them. By applying a few basic safety measures, you can protect your hearing aids from harm and maintain their reliability over the long term. Prioritize regular maintenance, store them properly, and handle them with care, ensuring you can continue to reap the benefits of enhanced communication and a more satisfying lifestyle.
If you are having troubles with your hearing aid or need to schedule a routine maintenance appointment, please arrange for a visit.