Once you’ve adjusted to life with your hearing aid, it becomes an important part of your everyday routine. The prospect of a breakdown can be unsettling, as it causes not only a disruption to daily life, but also a considerable monetary burden in the form of repair or replacement costs.
Tips for caring for and optimizing your hearing aid functionality
By being aware of the prospective hazards that can damage your hearing aid and taking measures to care for it correctly, you can preserve its effectiveness and continue to enjoy the improved quality of life it provides.
Practical care of batteries
The effectiveness of your hearing aid relies greatly on its battery. Hence, it is essential to choose the correct batteries for your device. Talk to your hearing specialist to figure out the ideal battery type for your model.
Handling the batteries with care is just as important. Oils, dirt, and moisture from your hands can contaminate the batteries, resulting in potential damage.
Prior to switching out the battery, make sure your hands are clean and totally dry to prevent any moisture from entering the device.
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions diligently, especially concerning battery care. 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 spot. Knowing the average lifespan of a battery can also be quite helpful.
Make a note on your calendar every time you replace the battery, so you can estimate when it will require changing again. To avoid being caught without power, always bring a spare battery with you, particularly when you’re away from home.
Minimize the risk of moisture damage
As electronic devices, hearing aids are vulnerable to moisture. Even brief contact can cause harm or complete failure of the device. To protect your hearing aid, think about purchasing a dehumidifier developed specifically for hearing aids. This device supplies a safe and dry environment for your hearing aid when not in use, safeguarding it from damage related to unwanted moisture.
When participating in physical activities that cause sweating, you may consider taking out your hearing aid to stop moisture damage. Consult taking off your hearing aid to exercise, particularly outdoors, with your hearing specialist, as doing so could compromise your safety by decreasing your recognition of essential 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 take out your device before showering or going for a swim.
Also, avoid using hairspray, spray deodorants, and other aerosol products while wearing your hearing aid. These products consist of moisture and chemicals that can build up on the device, resulting in long-term damage. In order to minimize exposure, use these types of products before putting in your hearing aids.
Manage earwax buildup
Though earwax plays a protective role by keeping dust, insects, and other foreign debris out of your ears, it can present a problem for your hearing aid. Earwax can build up in the device, causing it to fail. For correct maintenance, make an appointment with your audiologist or doctor to assess the amount of earwax build-up and establish a personalized cleaning plan suited to your ears and hearing device.
Cleaning your ears safely is vital– never insert any objects into your ear canal. Instead, allow warm water to flow into your ears in the course of showers, which can help break up and flush away some of the wax. It is also suggested to have your ears cleaned regularly by a professional. While this may seem inconvenient, it’s significantly less problematic than managing a malfunctioning hearing aid caused by 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 are uncertain about how to clean your hearing aid correctly, it is recommended to seek guidance from your hearing specialist or hearing aid manufacturer.
Basic steps for long-term dependability
After you’ve become familiar with wearing your hearing aids, they become an indispensable part of your life, making it difficult to envision managing without them. By using a few simple safety measures, you can avoid damage and ensure your hearing aids continue to be reliable for years to come. Prioritize regular 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.
If you are having problems with your hearing aid or need to schedule a routine maintenance appointment, please arrange for a visit.