After you have become accustomed to using your hearing aid, it becomes a crucial element of your day-to-day schedule. The prospect of a breakdown can be worrysome, as it poses not just a disruption to daily life, but also a significant financial burden in the form of repair or replacement expenses.
How to properly care for your hearing aid
Recognizing what can damage your hearing aid and knowing how to care for it properly will help you maintain its performance and ensure it continues to improve your quality of life.
Practical upkeep of batteries
Your hearing aid’s functionality is heavily dependent on its battery. As a result, choosing the correct batteries for your device is essential. Talk to your hearing specialist to figure out the best battery type for your model.
It is just as significant to handle the batteries with care. Oils, dirt, and moisture from your hands can contaminate the batteries, leading to potential damage.
Prior to replacing the battery, ensure your hands are clean and totally dry to prevent any moisture from entering the device.
Adhere to the manufacturer’s guidelines diligently, especially concerning battery care. To increase the battery life of your hearing aid, be certain to power it down when not wearing it and keep it stored in a secure, dry spot. Familiarizing yourself with the battery’s normal lifespan is also helpful.
Make a note on your calendar each time you change the battery, so you can estimate when it will require changing again. It’s essential to have a spare battery with you at all times, specifically when you are not at home, in order to prevent being stuck without power unexpectedly.
Guard against moisture
As electronic technology, hearing aids are vulnerable to moisture. Even brief contact can cause harm or total failure of the device. To protect your hearing aid, consider investing in 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.
When participating in physical activities that trigger sweating, you might think about removing your hearing aid to stop moisture damage. However, consult your hearing specialist first, as removing your hearing aid during exercise, especially outdoors, might pose safety risks by limiting your ability to hear external sounds like traffic or alarms. If necessary, opt for indoor exercise where it’s safer to be without your hearing aid, and always remember to take out your device before showering or swimming.
Also, avoid using hairspray, spray deodorants, and other aerosol items while wearing your hearing aid. These products consist of moisture and chemicals that can accumulate on the device, causing long-term damage. In order to decrease exposure, use these kinds of products before putting in your hearing aids.
Control earwax buildup
Though earwax plays a protective role by keeping dust, insects, and other foreign particles out of your ears, it can pose a problem for your hearing aid. The accumulation of earwax in the device can lead to it not working properly. To control this, have your ears checked out 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 vital– never insert foreign objects into your ear canal. Instead, allow warm water to stream 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 routinely by a professional. Though this might be a bit of a hassle, it’s a minor concern compared to the disappointment and complications that can occur from a hearing aid that’s not functioning properly due to 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’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 long-term dependability
After you’ve grown accustomed to wearing your hearing aids, they become an essential part of your life, making it difficult to conceive of managing without them. By using a few simple precautions, you can prevent damage and ensure your hearing aids continue to be dependable for years to come. Prioritize regular upkeep, store them properly, and handle them with care, ensuring you can continue to reap the benefits of improved communication and a more satisfying lifestyle.
Make an appointment if you’re experiencing problems with your hearing aid or need to set up a regular maintenance appointment.