Once you’ve adapted to life with your hearing aid, it becomes an important part of your everyday routine. The idea of it breaking down can be daunting, not just because of the inconvenience but also because of the potential expense 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 maintain it correctly, you can preserve its performance and continue to appreciate the improved quality of life it provides.
Effective upkeep of batteries
The effectiveness of your hearing aid relies significantly on its battery. As a result, choosing the appropriate batteries for your hearing aid is crucial. Speak with your hearing specialist to figure out the best battery type for your model.
Handling the batteries with care is just as important. 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 thoroughly dried to avoid introducing moisture into the device.
Adhere directly to the manufacturer’s instructions, especially pertaining to battery upkeep. Turn off your hearing aid when it’s not in use to protect battery life and store it in a secure , dry place. Familiarizing yourself with the battery’s normal lifespan is also worthwhile.
Make a note on your calendar each time you replace the battery, so you can predict when it will require changing again. It’s important to have a fresh battery with you at all times, particularly when you are not at home, in order to prevent being left without power all of a sudden.
Protect against moisture
Hearing aids, being technological devices, are vulnerable to moisture. Even brief contact can bring about harm or total failure of the device. To protect your hearing aid, consider purchasing a dehumidifier designed specifically for hearing aids. This device supplies a safe and dry atmosphere for your hearing aid when not in use, protecting it from damage caused by excessive moisture.
When participating in physical activities that trigger sweating, you might think about removing your hearing aid to prevent moisture damage. Consult taking off your hearing aid to exercise, especially outdoors, with your hearing specialist, as doing so could compromise your safety by decreasing your awareness of essential 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 suggested to avoid using spray deodorants, hairspray, and any other aerosol products when your hearing aid is in your ear. These products contain moisture and chemicals that can accumulate on the device, causing long-term damage. Use these products before mounting your hearing aid to reduce exposure.
Avoid excessive ear wax accumulation
Although earwax plays a protective role by keeping dust, insects, and other foreign debris out of your ears, it can present a challenge for your hearing aid. The accumulation of earwax in the device can lead to it not functioning properly. To manage this, have your ears examined by your hearing specialist or physician to evaluate 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. Alternatively, allow warm water to stream into your ears in the course of showers, which can help disperse and flush away some of the wax. Regular professional ear cleaning is also advisable. Though this may be a bit of a hassle, it’s a trivial issue compared to the frustration and problems that can arise from a hearing aid that’s not functioning properly as a result of a buildup of earwax.
When it comes to cleaning your hearing aid, follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
Different types of hearing aids may require different cleaning techniques, and using the wrong method could cause harm to 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 techniques to ensure lasting dependability
After you’ve grown familiar with wearing your hearing aids, they become an integral part of your life, making it hard to conceive of managing without them. By implementing a few basic safety measures, you can protect your hearing aids from damage and preserve their reliability over the long run. Prioritize routine maintenance, store them properly, and handle them with care, ensuring you can continue to reap the benefits of improved communication and a more satisfying lifestyle.
Schedule an appointment if you’re experiencing issues with your hearing aid or need to schedule a regular maintenance appointment.