After you have become familiar with wearing your hearing aid, it becomes an essential element of your daily schedule. The likelihood of a malfunction can be distressing, as it causes not just a disturbance to daily life, but also a substantial monetary burden in the form of repair or replacement expenses.
How to properly take care of your hearing aid
By being aware of the potential threats that can harm your hearing aid and taking measures to care for it properly, you can preserve its performance and continue to enjoy the increased quality of life it offers.
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. Consult with your audiologist to find out which battery type is most suitable for your specific hearing aid model.
Handling the batteries with care is just as important. The natural oils, dirt, and moisture on your skin can pass on to the batteries and cause contamination, compromising their functionality and potentially leading to damage.
Prior to replacing the battery, ensure your hands are clean and totally dry to prevent any moisture from entering the device.
Stick directly to the manufacturer’s instructions, particularly regarding battery maintenance. Power off your hearing aid when it’s not in use to protect battery life and store it in a safe, dry place. Knowing the average lifespan of a battery can also be very handy.
Mark on your calendar when you replace the battery, so you can prepare for when it needs to be switched out. To avoid being stuck without power, always carry a spare battery with you, especially when you’re away from home.
Prevent moisture damage
As electronic devices, hearing aids are vulnerable to moisture. Even nominal exposure can result in damage or a total breakdown of the device. Protect your hearing aid’s functionality by purchasing a specialized drying device to maintain its functionality by removing moisture. This device supplies a safe and dry environment for your hearing aid when not in use, safeguarding it from damage caused by unwanted moisture.
To safeguard your hearing aid from water damage, it’s a smart plan to take it out before taking part in activities that make you perspire heavily. However, speak with 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 possible, opt to exercise indoors where it is safer to remove your hearing aid, and make sure to remove your device before bathing or swimming.
Furthermore, it is recommended to avoid using spray deodorants, hairspray, and any other aerosol products when your hearing aid is in use. Extended exposure to these products can lead to harm to the device, as the moisture and chemicals they consist of can build up and result in permanent deterioration over time. Apply these products before mounting your hearing aid to reduce exposure.
Prevent excessive ear wax accumulation
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 accumulation of earwax in the device can result in it not functioning properly. To control this, have your ears checked out by your hearing specialist or doctor to evaluate the level of earwax buildup and create an appropriate cleaning routine for both your ears and your hearing aid.
It is important to clean your ears carefully and never put anything foreign into your ear canal. As opposed to that, let warm water enter your ears while you are showering. This can help in losening up and removing some of the earwax. It is also suggested to have your ears cleaned routinely by a professional. 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.
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 techniques to ensure lasting dependability
After you’ve grown accustomed to wearing your hearing aids, they become an essential part of your life, making it difficult to envision managing without having them. By taking a few simple precautions, you can avoid damage and ensure your hearing aids continue to be dependable for years to come. Prioritize regular maintenance, 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 troubles with your hearing aid or need to book a routine maintenance appointment, please arrange for a visit.