Once you’ve adjusted to life with your hearing aid, it becomes an important part of your day-to-day routine. The likelihood of a breakdown can be worrysome, as it presents not only a disturbance to everyday life, but also a substantial monetary burden in the form of repair or replacement expenses.
How to best maintain your hearing aid
Recognizing what can damage your hearing aid and learning how to maintain it correctly 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 heavily dependent on its battery. Hence, it is essential to select the appropriate 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 with care. The natural oils, dirt, and moisture on your skin can transfer to the batteries and result in contamination, compromising their functionality and potentially leading to damage.
Always clean your hands before swapping out the battery, and make sure they are completely dried to prevent introducing moisture into the device.
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions meticulously, particularly regarding battery care. Power off your hearing aid when it’s not being used to preserve battery life and store it in a safe, dry place. Knowing the typical lifespan of a battery can also be really helpful.
Make a note on your calendar every time you replace the battery, so you can predict when it will need changing again. To avoid being stuck without power, always carry a spare battery with you, especially when you’re away from home.
Guard against moisture
As electronic devices, hearing aids are vulnerable to moisture. Even nominal exposure can result in damage or a complete breakdown of the device. To protect your hearing aid, think about purchasing a dehumidifier designed specifically for hearing aids. This device supplies a secure and dry atmosphere for your hearing aid when not in use, safeguarding it from damage caused by unwanted moisture.
When engaging in physical activities that trigger sweating, you may think about taking out your hearing aid to stop moisture damage. Consult taking off your hearing aid to workout, especially outside, with your hearing specialist, as doing so could jeopardize your safety by decreasing your recognition of important auditory cues, including traffic noises or warning alarms. If possible, opt to work out inside where it is safer to take out your hearing aid, and make sure to remove your device before showering or swimming.
Furthermore, it is suggested to refrain from using spray deodorants, hairspray, and any other aerosol products when your hearing aid is in use. These products contain moisture and chemicals that can accumulate on the device, resulting in long-term damage. Apply these products before mounting your hearing aid to reduce exposure.
Control earwax buildup
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. The accumulation of earwax in the device can result in it not working correctly. To control 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.
Cleaning your ears safely is essential– never insert any objects into your ear canal. Instead of that, let warm water enter your ears while you are showering. This can help in breaking down and removing some of the earwax. It is also recommended to have your ears cleaned routinely by a professional. Though this might be a bit of a hassle, it’s a trivial problem compared to the disappointment and complications that can arise from a hearing aid that’s not functioning properly as a result of a buildup of earwax.
When it comes to cleaning your hearing aid, follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
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 steps for continued dependability
Once you get used to wearing your hearing aids, they become a crucial facet of your daily routine, making it difficult to envision life without them. By incorporating a few simple safety strategies, you can protect your hearing aids from harm and maintain their reliability over the long run. Prioritize regular maintenance, store them properly, and handle them with care, ensuring you can continue to reap the benefits of improved communication and a more satisfying lifestyle.
If you are having troubles with your hearing aid or need to schedule a routine maintenance appointment, please arrange for a visit.