After you have become accustomed to using your hearing aid, it becomes a vital element of your day-to-day routine. The prospect of a malfunction can be worrysome, as it causes not only a disruption to daily life, but also a considerable monetary burden in the form of repair or replacement costs.
How to properly maintain your hearing aid
Recognizing what can damage your hearing aid and learning how to care for it effectively will help you maintain its functionality and ensure it continues to enhance your quality of life.
Practical upkeep of batteries
The effectiveness of your hearing aid depends significantly on its battery. Hence, it is essential to select the right batteries for your device. Consult 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. Oils, dirt, and moisture from your hands can contaminate the batteries, causing potential damage.
Always clean your hands before swapping out the battery, and make sure they are thoroughly dried to avoid introducing moisture into the device.
Stick closely to the manufacturer’s directions, especially pertaining to battery maintenance. Turn off your hearing aid when it’s not in use to preserve battery life and store it in a secure , dry place. Knowing the typical lifespan of a battery can also be really handy.
Mark on your calendar when you change the battery, so you can prepare for when it needs to be replaced. To avoid being stuck without power, always carry a spare battery with you, particularly when you’re away from home.
Prevent moisture damage
As electronic devices, hearing aids are vulnerable to moisture. Even brief contact can bring about harm or complete failure of the device. To protect your hearing aid, think about purchasing a dehumidifier developed specifically for hearing aids. This device can safely store your hearing aid when it’s not being used, keeping it dry and free from moisture-related problems.
To protect your hearing aid from moisture damage, it’s a smart plan to take it out before taking part in activities that make you sweat heavily. However, speak with your hearing specialist first, as taking out your hearing aid during exercise, particularly outdoors, might pose safety concerns by limiting your ability to hear external 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 showering or swimming.
Moreover, it is suggested to refrain from using spray deodorants, hairspray, and any other aerosol products when your hearing aid is in use. These products consist of moisture and chemicals that can accumulate on the device, leading to long-term damage. Apply these products before mounting your hearing aid to minimize exposure.
Manage earwax buildup
While earwax serves as a natural barrier, protecting your ears from debris, dirt, and tiny insects, it can also interfere with the proper performance of your hearing aid. Earwax can accumulate in the device, causing it to breakdown. To control this, have your ears checked out by your hearing specialist or physician 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. As opposed to that, let warm water go into your ears while you are showering. This can assist in breaking down and removing some of the earwax. Routine professional ear cleaning is also recommended. While this might seem inconvenient, it’s far less problematic than dealing with a malfunctioning hearing aid due to excessive 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’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 methods to ensure lasting reliability
After you’ve become accustomed to wearing your hearing aids, they become an indispensable part of your life, making it difficult to imagine managing without having them. By using a few simple precautions, you can prevent damage and ensure your hearing aids remain dependable for years to come. Prioritize routine upkeep, store them safely, and handle them with care, ensuring you can continue to reap the benefits of enhanced communication and a more fulfilling lifestyle.
Schedule an appointment if you’re experiencing issues with your hearing aid or need to schedule a regular maintenance appointment.