Once you’ve adapted to life with your hearing aid, it becomes an indispensable part of your everyday routine. The likelihood of a breakdown can be unsettling, as it poses not only a disruption to everyday life, but also a considerable monetary burden in the form of repair or replacement costs.
How to properly take care of your hearing aid
Understanding what can damage your hearing aid and knowing how to care for it properly will help you maintain its functionality and ensure it continues to enhance your quality of life.
Proper battery maintenance
The performance of your hearing aid depends significantly on its battery. Thus, it is essential to select the correct batteries for your device. Consult with your hearing specialist to determine the best battery variety for your model.
It is just as important to handle the batteries with care. The natural oils, dirt, and moisture on your skin can transfer to the batteries and result in contamination, jeopardizing their functionality and potentially leading to damage.
Prior to replacing the battery, make sure your hands are clean and thoroughly dry to prevent any moisture from entering the device.
Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines diligently, particularly concerning battery care. Power off your hearing aid when it’s not being used to preserve battery life and keep it in a secure , dry place. Familiarizing yourself with the battery’s normal lifespan is also beneficial.
Note on your calendar when you change the battery, so you can anticipate when it needs to be replaced. To avoid being stuck without power, always bring a spare battery with you, particularly when you’re away from home.
Guard against moisture
As electronic devices, hearing aids are vulnerable to moisture. Even brief contact can cause harm or complete failure of the device. Protect your hearing aid’s functionality by acquiring a specialized drying device to preserve its functionality by getting rid of moisture. This device supplies a safe and dry atmosphere for your hearing aid when not in use, safeguarding it from damage caused by excessive moisture.
To protect your hearing aid from moisture damage, it’s a smart idea to take it out before participating in activities that make you sweat heavily. However, consult your hearing specialist first, as removing 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, choose to work out indoors 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 your ear. These products consist of moisture and chemicals that can build up on the device, resulting in long-term damage. In order to reduce exposure, use these kinds of products before putting in your hearing aids.
Control earwax buildup
Although earwax plays a defensive role by keeping dust, insects, and other foreign particles out of your ears, it can pose a problem for your hearing aid. The buildup of earwax in the device can lead to it not functioning properly. For correct maintenance, make an appointment with your audiologist or doctor to assess the amount of earwax accumulation and establish a customized cleaning plan tailored to your ears and hearing device.
It is necessary to clean your ears safely and never put anything foreign into your ear canal. As opposed to that, let warm water enter your ears while you shower. This can help in losening up and removing some of the earwax. Routine professional ear cleaning is also advisable. While this might seem inconvenient, it’s significantly less problematic than dealing with a malfunctioning hearing aid caused by 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 are uncertain about how to clean your hearing aid correctly, it is recommended to seek guidance from your hearing specialist or hearing aid manufacturer.
Easy methods 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 applying a few simple safety measures, you can protect your hearing aids from harm and maintain their reliability over the long term. Regular maintenance, appropriate storage, and careful handling are essential to keeping your hearing aids in optimal condition, allowing you to keep enjoying the enhanced quality of life they provide.
If you are having difficulties with your hearing aid or need to book a routine maintenance appointment, please arrange for a visit.