After you have become familiar with using your hearing aid, it becomes a vital element of your daily schedule. The likelihood of a malfunction can be distressing, as it presents not only a disturbance to daily life, but also a substantial financial burden in the form of repair or replacement costs.
Tips for maintaining and maximizing your hearing aid functionality
By being aware of the potential hazards that can damage your hearing aid and taking measures to care for it correctly, you can protect its performance and continue to appreciate the increased quality of life it offers.
Effective upkeep of batteries
The effectiveness of your hearing aid depends substantially on its battery. Thus, it is important to pick the correct batteries for your device. Discuss 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. The natural oils, dirt, and moisture on your skin can transfer to the batteries and result in contamination, jeopardizing their performance and potentially causing damage.
Before replacing the battery, ensure your hands are clean and totally dry to prevent any moisture from entering the device.
Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines meticulously, particularly regarding battery care. Turn off your hearing aid when it’s not in use to protect battery life and keep it in a safe, dry place. Knowing the typical lifespan of a battery can also be really handy.
Make a note on your calendar each time you change 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, specifically when you are not at home, in order to prevent being left without power unexpectedly.
Protect against moisture
As electronic devices, hearing aids are vulnerable to moisture. Even slight contact can bring about harm or complete failure of the device. Safeguard your hearing aid’s performance by acquiring a specialized drying device to maintain its functionality by getting rid of moisture. This unit supplies a safe and dry environment for your hearing aid when not in use, safeguarding it from damage caused by excessive moisture.
When participating in physical activities that trigger sweating, you may think about removing your hearing aid to prevent moisture damage. However, speak with your hearing specialist first, as taking out your hearing aid during exercise, particularly outdoors, may pose safety risks by reducing your ability to hear environmental sounds like traffic or alarms. If possible, choose to exercise indoors where it is safer to remove your hearing aid, and make sure to remove your device before bathing or swimming.
Furthermore, it is recommended to avoid using spray deodorants, hairspray, and any other aerosol products when your hearing aid is in your ear. Extended exposure to these products can cause harm to the device, as the moisture and chemicals they contain can accumulate and result in permanent degredation over time. Use these products before putting on your hearing aid to decrease exposure.
Prevent excessive ear wax accumulation
Though earwax plays a protective role by keeping dust, insects, and other foreign debris out of your ears, it can pose a problem for your hearing aid. Earwax can build up in the device, causing it to malfunction. For proper maintenance, schedule an appointment with your audiologist or doctor to assess the amount of earwax accumulation and establish a personalized cleaning plan suited to your ears and hearing device.
It is important to clean your ears carefully and never put anything foreign into your ear canal. Alternatively, allow warm water to flow into your ears during showers, which can help break up and flush away some of the wax. It is also suggested to have your ears cleaned routinely by a professional. Though this may be a bit of a hassle, it’s a trivial concern compared to the frustration and problems that can arise from a hearing aid that’s not functioning effectively as a result of a buildup of earwax.
To properly clean your hearing aid, carefully adhere to the guidelines provided by the manufacturer.
Various kinds of hearing aids may need specific cleaning methods, and using an incorrect technique might damage 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 steps for long-term reliability
After you’ve grown accustomed to wearing your hearing aids, they become an indispensable part of your life, making it difficult to envision managing without them. By incorporating a few basic safety measures, you can protect your hearing aids from harm and maintain their reliability over the long term. Regular maintenance, appropriate storage, and careful handling are essential to keeping your hearing aids in optimal 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 schedule a routine maintenance appointment, please arrange for a visit.