How would you deal with it if your hearing aid quit working at the worst possible time. Like when you’re in an important meeting.
Nobody wants that to occur! It’s important to invest in hearing aids for your hearing, your happiness, and your general health. You will get the greatest possible benefit from your hearing aids if you keep them functioning in peak condition.
The following are 7 steps to help you correctly care for your hearing aids and keep them operating in peak condition.
1. Become Familiar With The Instruction Manual
The best results will be achieved when you utilize the manual that was included with your hearing aids. These manuals frequently come with troubleshooting guides that will help you resolve many technical challenges.
Always go to the manual first if something isn’t working correctly.
The manual should address any problems pertaining to the performance of your hearing aids. This is important even if you’ve had hearing aids before because your new devices may not function in the same manner. After all, there have been many advances in hearing aid technology in the past few years.
2. Keep Your Hearing Aids Clean
Bacteria often use hearing aids as a breeding ground.
If you fail to clean and disinfect your hearing aids and wash your hands before you use them, an ear infection can be the result.
Ear infections can lead to additional hearing issues. Some of these problems are short lived but permanent damage can also happen.
After every use, wipe your hearing aids down with a dry cloth because bacteria bread faster on moist surfaces. Never put your hearing aids in water. Being careful not to get them too wet, use an alcohol-free wet wipe to disinfect and clean them.
Clean them thoroughly once every week, including any custom mold pieces.
The earpiece will remain free of any wax buildup with frequent cleaning.
3. Don’t Allow Your Hearing Aids Get Wet
Getting wet is not something that most hearing aids are made to do. Even high humidity can cause damage. Don’t put them on the nightstand after cleaning.
Hearing aids will gather dust which contains bacteria if they are left sitting on an exposed surface.
Adhere to the recommendations of the manufacturer and store them in a cool dry place. Before you go into the shower or bathe, be sure you take them out. Moisture is still present in the air when you shower, so don’t leave them on the bathroom counter while getting ready.
Bring an umbrella with you if there’s rain in the forecast.
Your battery might die faster because it needs to use more energy in a moist environment, so you should always bring your charger with you.
Don’t allow your hearing aid to be exposed to extreme heat, such as a blow dryer or sauna, as that can also damage them.
4. Avoid Draining The Battery
Don’t get caught without a spare battery at your nephew’s piano recital.
When you take your hearing aids off to go to sleep, turn them all the way off. Remove the batteries if you’re going to go for a long period without wearing your hearing aids. You’ll get more life out of the battery this way, and you’ll avoid the risk of battery acid damaging the hearing aid’s delicate electronics.
You can substantially prolong the life of your batteries with this guidance but always carry a spare battery, just in case.
5. Have Your Ears Cleaned Professionally
A little bit of wax is pushed into your ear canal every time you insert your hearing aid. Voices will eventually start to sound muffled as this earwax builds up. Make an appointment for a cleaning with your hearing specialist if your hearing seems dull and muted.
The removal process is simple with the right tools. It should only be done by a trained professional with the expertise to service and care for your hearing aids.
6. When You’re Putting in Your Hearing Aids, do it Above a Soft Surface
Taking the chance of dropping your hearing aid into the toilet or sink is really not worth it. This can definitely lead to dropping the hearing aid and damaging it. Always insert your devices over a soft surface like a bed, sofa, or a folded towel placed on the kitchen table.
7. Contact a Specialist if You Aren’t Experiencing Improved Hearing
You need to keep wearing your hearing aids even if you’re not currently having the best success. Your situation can be enhanced. Make an appointment for a consultation.
