After you have become accustomed to using your hearing aid, it becomes a crucial element of your day-to-day routine. The thought of it breaking down can be intimidating, not only because of the hassle but also because of the potential expense of repairs or replacements.
How to properly care for your hearing aid
Understanding 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.
Proper battery care
Your hearing aid’s functionality is highly dependent on its battery. As a result, picking the appropriate batteries for your hearing aid is crucial. Discuss with your audiologist to find out which battery type is most suitable for your specific hearing aid 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 functionality and potentially causing damage.
Prior to replacing the battery, ensure your hands are clean and thoroughly dry to keep any moisture from getting into the device.
Stick directly to the manufacturer’s instructions, particularly pertaining to battery maintenance. To increase the battery life of your hearing aid, make sure to power it off when not wearing it and keep it stored in a safe , dry location. Familiarizing yourself with the battery’s normal lifespan is also beneficial.
Mark on your calendar when you replace the battery, so you can prepare for when it needs to be switched out. To avoid being caught without power, always carry a spare battery with you, especially when you’re away from home.
Prevent moisture damage
As electronic technology, hearing aids are vulnerable 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 designed specifically for hearing aids. This unit provides a safe and dry environment for your hearing aid when not in use, safeguarding it from damage related to unwanted moisture.
When engaging in physical activities that cause sweating, you might think about taking out your hearing aid to stop moisture damage. However, speak with your hearing specialist first, as removing your hearing aid during exercise, especially outdoors, may pose safety risks by limiting your ability to hear environmental sounds like traffic or 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 swimming.
Additionally, avoid using hairspray, spray deodorants, and other aerosol items while wearing 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 result in lasting degredation over time. In order to reduce exposure, use these types 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 pose a challenge for your hearing aid. The buildup of earwax in the device can result in it not functioning correctly. To manage this, have your ears examined 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.
It is important to clean your ears carefully and never put anything foreign 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. Even though this may be a bit of a hassle, it’s a trivial 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.
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 methods to ensure lasting dependability
After you’ve become familiar with wearing your hearing aids, they become an indispensable part of your life, making it hard to conceive of managing without them. By taking a few easy safety measures, you can avoid damage and ensure your hearing aids remain reliable for years to come. Regular maintenance, appropriate storage, and cautious handling are essential to keeping your hearing aids in optimal condition, allowing you to continue enjoying the enhanced quality of life they supply.
If you are having problems with your hearing aid or need to schedule a routine maintenance appointment, please arrange for a visit.