After you have become accustomed to using your hearing aid, it becomes a vital element of your day-to-day routine. The likelihood of a breakdown can be unsettling, as it poses not only a disruption to daily life, but also a significant financial burden in the form of repair or replacement costs.
How to properly take care of your hearing aid
Recognizing 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
Your hearing aid’s performance is highly dependent on its battery. Thus, it is essential to select the right batteries for your device. Consult with your audiologist to find out which battery type is most suitable for your specific hearing aid model.
It is just as important to handle the batteries carefully. Oils, dirt, and moisture from your hands can contaminate the batteries, causing potential damage.
Prior to replacing the battery, make sure your hands are clean and completely dry to prevent any moisture from entering the device.
Adhere closely to the manufacturer’s instructions, particularly pertaining to battery upkeep. To extend the battery life of your hearing aid, be certain to power it down when not wearing it and keep it stored in a safe , dry location. Knowing the typical lifespan of a battery can also be very helpful.
Make a note on your calendar every time you replace the battery, so you can predict when it will need changing again. It’s essential to have a spare battery with you at all times, particularly when you are not at home, in order to prevent being stuck without power all of a sudden.
Guard against moisture
Hearing aids, being technological devices, are vulnerable to moisture. Even nominal exposure can lead to damage or a complete malfunction of the device. To safeguard your hearing aid, think about investing in a dehumidifier designed specifically for hearing aids. This unit provides 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. Having said that, 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 environmental 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 remove your device before showering or swimming.
Furthermore, it is recommended to refrain from using spray deodorants, hairspray, and any other aerosol products when your hearing aid is in use. Prolonged exposure to these products can cause harm to the device, as the moisture and chemicals they contain can accumulate and lead to lasting degradation over time. In order to minimize exposure, use these kinds of products before putting in your hearing aids.
Avoid excessive ear wax accumulation
While earwax serves as a natural barrier, shielding your ears from debris, dirt, and tiny insects, it can also interfere with the proper functioning of your hearing aid. Earwax can accumulate in the device, causing it to breakdown. For proper maintenance, schedule an appointment with your audiologist or doctor to evaluate the amount of earwax accumulation and develop a customized cleaning plan tailored to your ears and hearing device.
Cleaning your ears safely is essential– never insert any objects into your ear canal. As opposed to that, let warm water go into your ears while you shower. This can assist in losening up and eliminating some of the earwax. It is also recommended to have your ears cleaned regularly by a professional. Even though this might be a bit of a hassle, it’s a trivial issue compared to the disappointment and problems that can occur from a hearing aid that’s not functioning effectively 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 techniques to ensure lasting dependability
After you’ve grown accustomed to wearing your hearing aids, they become an integral part of your life, making it hard to envision managing without having them. By incorporating a few simple safety measures, you can safeguard your hearing aids from harm and preserve their reliability over the long term. 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 satisfying lifestyle.
Make an appointment if you’re experiencing issues with your hearing aid or need to schedule a regular maintenance appointment.