Once you’ve adjusted to life with your hearing aid, it becomes an important part of your everyday routine. The prospect of a breakdown can be unsettling, as it causes not just a disruption to everyday life, but also a significant financial burden in the form of repair or replacement expenses.
Tips for caring for and maximizing your hearing aid performance
By recognizing the prospective hazards that can damage your hearing aid and taking measures to care for it properly, you can protect its effectiveness and continue to appreciate the improved quality of life it provides.
Proper battery upkeep
Your hearing aid’s functionality is heavily dependent on its battery. Thus, it is essential to select the right batteries for your device. Speak with your hearing specialist to figure out the ideal 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.
Prior to switching out the battery, make sure your hands are clean and thoroughly dry to prevent any moisture from entering the device.
Adhere to the manufacturer’s guidelines meticulously, particularly concerning battery care. To prolong the battery life of your hearing aid, make sure to power it down when not using it and keep it stored in a secure, dry location. Knowing the typical lifespan of a battery can also be very handy.
Mark on your calendar when you change the battery, so you can anticipate when it needs to be replaced. It’s essential to have a spare 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.
Minimize the risk of moisture damage
Hearing aids, being technological devices, are susceptible to moisture. Even minor exposure can lead to damage or a total malfunction of the device. To protect your hearing aid, think about investing in a dehumidifier developed specifically for hearing aids. This unit supplies a safe and dry environment for your hearing aid when not in use, protecting it from damage related to excessive moisture.
When engaging in physical activities that cause sweating, you might consider removing your hearing aid to prevent moisture damage. Consult taking off your hearing aid to exercise, particularly outside, with your hearing specialist, as doing so may compromise 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 remove your device before showering or going for a swim.
Furthermore, it is suggested to refrain from using spray deodorants, hairspray, and any other aerosol products when your hearing aid is in use. These products contain moisture and chemicals that can build up on the device, leading to long-term damage. In order to reduce exposure, use these types of products before putting in your hearing aids.
Prevent 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 performance of your hearing aid. The accumulation of earwax in the device can lead to it not working properly. To manage 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 vital– never insert foreign objects into your ear canal. Instead, allow warm water to stream into your ears in the course of showers, which can help break up and wash away some of the wax. Regular professional ear cleaning is also recommended. While this may seem inconvenient, it’s much less problematic 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.
Easy techniques 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 envision managing without them. By applying a few simple safety measures, you can protect your hearing aids from harm 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.
If you are having difficulties with your hearing aid or need to schedule a routine maintenance appointment, please arrange for a visit.