Once you’ve adapted to life with your hearing aid, it becomes an indispensable part of your everyday routine. The prospect of a malfunction can be distressing, as it poses not just a disruption to daily life, but also a significant monetary burden in the form of repair or replacement expenses.
Tips for caring for and maximizing your hearing aid functionality
Comprehending what can damage your hearing aid and learning how to care for it correctly will help you maintain its performance and ensure it continues to enrich your quality of life.
Proper battery maintenance
The effectiveness of your hearing aid relies substantially on its battery. Thus, it is essential to pick the correct batteries for your device. Discuss 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. Oils, dirt, and moisture from your hands can contaminate the batteries, resulting in potential damage.
Prior to switching out the battery, make sure your hands are clean and totally dry to keep any moisture from entering the device.
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions meticulously, particularly concerning battery care. To extend the battery life of your hearing aid, be certain to power it down when not using it and keep it stored in a secure, dry spot. Knowing the average lifespan of a battery can also be really handy.
Make a note on your calendar each time you replace the battery, so you can predict when it will need changing again. To avoid being caught without power, always bring a spare battery with you, especially when you’re away from home.
Guard against moisture
Hearing aids, being technological devices, are susceptible to moisture. Even brief contact can bring about harm or total failure of the device. To safeguard your hearing aid, think about investing in a dehumidifier designed specifically for hearing aids. This device can securely store your hearing aid when it’s not in use, keeping it dry and free from moisture-related problems.
When participating in physical activities that cause sweating, you may consider taking out your hearing aid to stop moisture damage. Consult taking off your hearing aid to exercise, especially outside, with your hearing specialist, as doing so may jeopardize your safety by decreasing your awareness of essential auditory cues, including traffic noises or warning 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.
Moreover, it is recommended to avoid using spray deodorants, hairspray, and any other aerosol products when your hearing aid is in your ear. These products contain moisture and chemicals that can build up on the device, leading to long-term damage. In order to reduce exposure, use these kinds of products before putting in your hearing aids.
Avoid excessive ear wax accumulation
While earwax serves as a natural shield, shielding your ears from debris, dirt, and tiny insects, it can also hamper the proper performance of 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 accumulation and establish a customized 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. Instead, allow warm water to flow into your ears in the course of showers, which can help disperse and flush away some of the wax. Routine professional ear cleaning is also recommended. While this might seem inconvenient, it’s significantly less problematic than managing a malfunctioning hearing aid dued to excessive earwax.
To properly clean your hearing aid, carefully adhere to the guidelines provided by the manufacturer.
Different types of hearing aids may require different cleaning techniques, and using the wrong method could cause harm to 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 methods to ensure lasting dependability
Once you get used to using your hearing aids, they become a crucial facet of your day-to-day routine, making it hard to envision life without them. By using a few basic safety measures, you can avoid damage and ensure your hearing aids continue to be dependable for years to come. Routine upkeep, proper storage, and cautious handling are essential to keeping your hearing aids in optimum condition, allowing you to keep enjoying the improved quality of life they provide.
Make an appointment if you’re experiencing issues with your hearing aid or need to set up a regular maintenance appointment.
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The site information is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. To receive a personalized free hearing test and hearing loss consultation, call today to set up an appointment.
