Once you’ve adjusted to life with your hearing aid, it becomes an indispensable part of your everyday regimen. The likelihood of a breakdown can be worrisome, as it causes not just a disruption to everyday life, but also a significant monetary burden in the form of repair or replacement costs.
How to properly maintain your hearing aid
By being aware of the potential hazards that can harm your hearing aid and taking measures to maintain it properly, you can protect its performance and continue to enjoy the improved quality of life it provides.
Proper battery upkeep
Your hearing aid’s functionality is highly dependent on its battery. Thus, it is essential to select the appropriate batteries for your device. Speak with your hearing specialist to figure out the ideal battery type for your model.
It is equally significant to handle the batteries carefully. Oils, dirt, and moisture from your hands can contaminate the batteries, resulting in potential damage.
Before switching out the battery, make sure your hands are clean and thoroughly dry to prevent any moisture from entering the device.
Stick directly to the manufacturer’s instructions, particularly pertaining to battery maintenance. Turn off your hearing aid when it’s not being used to protect battery life and store it in a secure , dry place. Knowing the average lifespan of a battery can also be quite handy.
Mark on your calendar when you change the battery, so you can anticipate when it needs to be replaced. To avoid being caught without power, always carry a spare battery with you, especially when you’re away from home.
Guard against moisture
As electronic technology, hearing aids are susceptible to moisture. Even brief contact can bring about harm or total failure of the device. Protect your hearing aid’s performance by purchasing a specialized drying device to maintain its functionality by removing moisture. This unit supplies a secure and dry atmosphere for your hearing aid when not in use, safeguarding it from damage caused by excessive moisture.
When participating in physical activities that trigger sweating, you might think about removing your hearing aid to prevent moisture damage. Having said that, consult your hearing specialist first, as taking out 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, opt to work out indoors where it is safer to take out your hearing aid, and make sure to remove your device before showering or swimming.
Additionally, avoid utilizing 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, leading to long-term damage. In order to decrease exposure, use these types of products before putting in your hearing aids.
Prevent excessive ear wax accumulation
Though 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. Earwax can build up in the device, causing it to malfunction. For correct maintenance, schedule an appointment with your audiologist or doctor to evaluate the amount of earwax build-up and develop an individualized cleaning plan suited to your ears and hearing device.
It is important 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 breaking down and removing some of the earwax. It is also suggested to have your ears cleaned routinely by a professional. Though this may be a bit of a hassle, it’s a minor concern compared to the disappointment and problems that can arise from a hearing aid that’s not working properly due to a buildup of 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 techniques to ensure lasting dependability
Once you get used to wearing your hearing aids, they become a crucial facet of your day-to-day routine, making it hard to picture life without them. By incorporating a few basic safety strategies, you can protect your hearing aids from harm and maintain their reliability over the long term. Prioritize routine 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.
Make an appointment if you’re experiencing issues with your hearing aid or need to set up a regular maintenance appointment.