After you have become familiar with wearing your hearing aid, it becomes an essential element of your day-to-day routine. The prospect of a breakdown can be distressing, as it poses not only a disturbance to daily life, but also a substantial monetary burden in the form of repair or replacement costs.
Tips for maintaining and maximizing your hearing aid performance
Comprehending what can damage your hearing aid and knowing how to care for it correctly will help you maintain its performance and ensure it continues to improve your quality of life.
Practical care of batteries
Your hearing aid’s functionality is highly dependent on its battery. As a result, choosing the appropriate batteries for your hearing aid is essential. Consult with your audiologist to find out which battery type is most suitable for your specific hearing aid model.
It is equally significant to handle the batteries carefully. Oils, dirt, and moisture from your hands can contaminate the batteries, causing potential damage.
Always clean your hands before changing the battery, and be certain they are completely dried to prevent introducing moisture into the device.
Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines diligently, particularly concerning battery care. To increase the battery life of your hearing aid, make sure to power it down when not wearing it and keep it stored in a secure, dry location. Familiarizing yourself with the battery’s typical lifespan is also beneficial.
Make a note on your calendar every time you replace the battery, so you can estimate when it will need changing again. It’s crucial to have a fresh battery with you at all times, particularly when you are not at home, in order to prevent being stuck without power all of a sudden.
Minimize the risk of moisture damage
Hearing aids, being electronic devices, are susceptible to moisture. Even minor exposure can result in damage or a complete malfunction of the device. To protect your hearing aid, think about purchasing a dehumidifier developed specifically for hearing aids. This device provides a secure and dry atmosphere for your hearing aid when not in use, protecting it from damage caused by excessive moisture.
When engaging in physical activities that trigger sweating, you may consider taking out your hearing aid to stop moisture damage. Consult taking off your hearing aid to exercise, especially outside, with your hearing specialist, as doing so could compromise your safety by decreasing your awareness of important auditory cues, including traffic noises or warning 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 swimming.
Also, avoid utilizing hairspray, spray deodorants, and other aerosol products while using your hearing aid. Prolonged exposure to these products can cause harm to the device, as the moisture and chemicals they contain can build up and lead to irreversible deterioration over time. In order to reduce exposure, use these types of products before putting in your hearing aids.
Avoid excessive ear wax accumulation
Although earwax serves as a natural shield, protecting your ears from debris, dirt, and small insects, it can also hamper the proper functioning of your hearing aid. The buildup of earwax in the device can result in it not functioning properly. To control 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.
Cleaning your ears safely is crucial– never insert any objects into your ear canal. Instead of that, let warm water enter your ears while you shower. This can assist in breaking down and removing some of the earwax. Regular professional ear cleaning is also advisable. While this might seem inconvenient, it’s much 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.
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 reliability
Once you get used to wearing your hearing aids, they become a critical facet of your day-to-day routine, making it difficult to envision life without them. By implementing a few basic safety measures, you can protect your hearing aids from harm and maintain their reliability over the long term. Routine maintenance, appropriate storage, and cautious handling are key to keeping your hearing aids in optimum condition, allowing you to continue enjoying the improved quality of life they supply.
If you are having problems with your hearing aid or need to book a routine maintenance appointment, please arrange for a visit.
