Once you’ve adjusted to life with your hearing aid, it becomes an indispensable part of your everyday routine. The prospect of a breakdown can be distressing, as it causes not only a disturbance to everyday life, but also a considerable financial burden in the form of repair or replacement costs.
How to best care for your hearing aid
Comprehending what can damage your hearing aid and learning how to maintain it effectively will help you maintain its functionality and ensure it continues to enrich your quality of life.
Practical care of batteries
The effectiveness of your hearing aid depends significantly on its battery. Thus, it is essential to select the right batteries for your device. Consult with your hearing specialist to determine the best battery type for your model.
Handling the batteries with care is equally important. The natural oils, dirt, and moisture on your skin can pass on to the batteries and cause contamination, compromising their performance and potentially causing damage.
Always clean your hands before swapping out the battery, and make sure they are completely dried to avoid introducing moisture into the device.
Adhere to the manufacturer’s guidelines meticulously, especially concerning battery care. To prolong the battery life of your hearing aid, make sure to power it off when not wearing it and keep it stored in a secure, dry location. Familiarizing yourself with the battery’s normal lifespan is also helpful.
Note on your calendar when you change the battery, so you can prepare for when it needs to be switched out. It’s crucial to have a fresh battery with you at all times, particularly when you are not at home, in order to avoid being stuck without power all of a sudden.
Minimize the risk of moisture damage
As electronic technology, hearing aids are susceptible to moisture. Even minor exposure can result in damage or a complete breakdown of the device. To safeguard your hearing aid, consider investing in a dehumidifier developed specifically for hearing aids. This device can securely store your hearing aid when it’s not in use, keeping it dry and free from moisture-related problems.
When engaging in physical activities that cause sweating, you might consider taking out your hearing aid to stop moisture damage. Having said that, consult your hearing specialist first, as taking out your hearing aid during exercise, particularly outdoors, might pose safety risks by limiting your ability to hear environmental sounds like traffic or alarms. If possible, opt to exercise 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 refrain from using spray deodorants, hairspray, and any other aerosol products when your hearing aid is in your ear. Extended exposure to these products can lead to harm to the device, as the moisture and chemicals they contain can accumulate and lead to permanent deterioration over time. In order to reduce exposure, use these kinds of products before putting in your hearing aids.
Prevent excessive ear wax accumulation
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 accumulate in the device, causing it to fail. To control this, have your ears checked out 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 essential– never insert foreign objects into your ear canal. Alternatively, allow warm water to flow into your ears during showers, which can help disperse and wash away some of the wax. Routine professional ear cleaning is also advisable. While this might seem inconvenient, it’s far less troublesome than managing 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’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.
Simple steps for lasting dependability
After you’ve grown familiar with wearing your hearing aids, they become an indispensable part of your life, making it difficult to envision managing without them. By taking a few basic precautions, you can prevent damage and ensure your hearing aids continue to be dependable for years to come. Prioritize regular maintenance, store them safely, and handle them with care, ensuring you can continue to reap the benefits of enhanced communication and a more satisfying lifestyle.
Make an appointment if you’re experiencing issues with your hearing aid or need to schedule a regular maintenance appointment.
