Once you’ve adjusted to life with your hearing aid, it becomes an indispensable part of your daily routine. The prospect of a breakdown can be unsettling, as it poses not just a disruption to everyday life, but also a substantial monetary burden in the form of repair or replacement costs.
Tips for maintaining and maximizing your hearing aid functionality
Recognizing what can damage your hearing aid and knowing how to maintain it properly will help you maintain its functionality and ensure it continues to enrich your quality of life.
Practical care of batteries
Your hearing aid’s performance is heavily dependent on its battery. Thus, it is important to select the right batteries for your device. Consult with your hearing specialist to determine the ideal battery type for your model.
Handling the batteries with care is just as important. The natural oils, dirt, and moisture on your skin can transfer to the batteries and result in contamination, jeopardizing their performance and potentially leading to damage.
Before replacing the battery, make sure your hands are clean and totally dry to prevent any moisture from getting into the device.
Adhere closely to the manufacturer’s directions, particularly pertaining to battery maintenance. To prolong the battery life of your hearing aid, be certain to power it down when not wearing it and keep it stored in a secure, dry spot. Familiarizing yourself with the battery’s typical lifespan is also helpful.
Mark on your calendar when you change the battery, so you can anticipate when it needs to be replaced. It’s important to have a spare battery with you at all times, particularly when you are not at home, in order to avoid being stuck without power unexpectedly.
Protect against moisture
Hearing aids, being electronic devices, are susceptible to moisture. Even nominal exposure can lead to damage or a complete malfunction of the device. To protect your hearing aid, consider purchasing 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 participating in physical activities that cause sweating, you may consider removing your hearing aid to stop moisture damage. Consult taking off your hearing aid to workout, particularly outside, with your hearing specialist, as doing so may compromise your safety by decreasing your recognition of important auditory cues, such as 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 going for a swim.
Additionally, avoid using hairspray, spray deodorants, and other aerosol products while wearing your hearing aid. Extended exposure to these products can lead to harm to the device, as the moisture and chemicals they consist of can accumulate and lead to irreversible degredation over time. In order to minimize exposure, use these kinds of products before putting in your hearing aids.
Prevent excessive ear wax accumulation
Although earwax plays a protective role by keeping dust, insects, and other foreign particles out of your ears, it can present a challenge for your hearing aid. Earwax can build up in the device, causing it to breakdown. For proper maintenance, schedule an appointment with your audiologist or doctor to assess the amount of earwax accumulation and develop an individualized cleaning plan suited to your ears and hearing device.
Cleaning your ears safely is essential– never insert any objects into your ear canal. Instead of that, let warm water enter your ears while you are showering. This can help in losening up and eliminating some of the earwax. Regular professional ear cleaning is also recommended. Even though this might be a bit of a hassle, it’s a minor problem compared to the disappointment and problems that can occur from a hearing aid that’s not working 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’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 techniques to ensure lasting dependability
After you’ve grown accustomed to wearing your hearing aids, they become an indispensable part of your life, making it hard to envision managing without having them. By using a few easy precautions, you can avoid damage and ensure your hearing aids remain 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.