Once you’ve adapted to life with your hearing aid, it becomes an important part of your day-to-day regimen. The prospect of a malfunction can be unsettling, as it poses not just a disturbance to daily life, but also a substantial monetary burden in the form of repair or replacement expenses.
How to best care for your hearing aid
Understanding what can damage your hearing aid and learning how to care for it effectively will help you maintain its performance and ensure it continues to improve your quality of life.
Effective upkeep of batteries
Your hearing aid’s performance is highly dependent on its battery. Thus, it is important to choose the correct batteries for your device. Consult with your hearing specialist to determine the ideal battery type for your model.
It is just as important to handle the batteries with care. Oils, dirt, and moisture from your hands can contaminate the batteries, causing potential damage.
Prior to replacing the battery, make sure your hands are clean and completely dry to keep any moisture from entering the device.
Stick closely to the manufacturer’s directions, particularly regarding battery maintenance. Power off your hearing aid when it’s not in use to protect battery life and store it in a safe, dry place. Knowing the typical lifespan of a battery can also be very helpful.
Note on your calendar when you replace the battery, so you can prepare for when it needs to be switched out. It’s crucial to have a spare battery with you at all times, particularly when you are not at home, in order to prevent being stuck without power unexpectedly.
Guard against moisture
Hearing aids, being electronic devices, are vulnerable to moisture. Even minimal exposure can lead to damage or a total malfunction of the device. To safeguard your hearing aid, consider purchasing a dehumidifier designed specifically for hearing aids. This device can safely store your hearing aid when it’s not in use, keeping it dry and free from moisture-related problems.
When engaging in physical activities that trigger sweating, you may consider taking out your hearing aid to prevent moisture damage. Consult taking off your hearing aid to exercise, especially outside, with your hearing specialist, as doing so could compromise your safety by reducing your recognition of essential 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 swimming.
Moreover, it is suggested to avoid using spray deodorants, hairspray, and any other aerosol products when your hearing aid is in use. Extended exposure to these products can cause harm to the device, as the moisture and chemicals they contain can accumulate and lead to permanent degredation over time. Apply these products before putting on your hearing aid to minimize exposure.
Prevent excessive ear wax accumulation
While earwax serves as a natural barrier, protecting your ears from debris, dirt, and small insects, it can also hamper the effective performance of your hearing aid. The buildup of earwax in the device can result in it not working correctly. To manage this, have your ears examined by your hearing specialist or physician to evaluate the level of earwax buildup and create an appropriate cleaning routine for both your ears and your hearing aid.
Cleaning your ears safely is essential– never insert any objects into your ear canal. Instead of that, let warm water go into your ears while you shower. This can assist in losening up and removing some of the earwax. Routine professional ear cleaning is also advisable. While this may seem inconvenient, it’s far less troublesome than dealing with a malfunctioning hearing aid dued to excessive 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 reliability
Once you get used to using your hearing aids, they become a critical facet of your daily routine, making it hard to envision life without them. By implementing a few basic safety strategies, you can safeguard your hearing aids from harm and maintain their reliability over the long term. Routine maintenance, appropriate storage, and careful handling are essential to keeping your hearing aids in optimum condition, allowing you to continue enjoying the enhanced quality of life they supply.
Make an appointment if you’re experiencing issues with your hearing aid or need to set up a regular maintenance appointment.