How would you handle it if your hearing aid quit working at the worst possible moment. Like in the middle of a phone call?
That’s not something anybody wants! Your hearing aids are an important investment in your hearing, happiness, and general health. You will get the greatest possible benefit from your hearing aids if you keep them functioning at maximum condition.
You can properly take care of your hearing aids and keep them working in peak condition by implementing these 7 tips.
1. Become Familiar With The Instruction Manual
The most beneficial results will be accomplished when you make use of the manual that came with your hearing aids. Many technical challenges you might be experiencing can be resolved by the trouble-shooting guides that are included with these manuals.
If something isn’t functioning properly, always check the manual first.
The manual should address any problems related 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 lots of advances in hearing aid technology in the past few years.
2. Keep Your Hearing Aids Clean
Bacteria like to use hearing aids as a breeding ground.
While there’s normally some harmless bacteria on your skin, if you don’t wash your hands or properly clean the hearing aids, it can lead to an infection.
Ear infections can trigger further hearing problems. Some of these problems are short lived but permanent damage can also occur.
Bacteria like moist surfaces, so clean each hearing aid with a dry cloth before and after each use. Never put your hearing aids in water. Taking care not to get them too wet, use an alcohol-free wet wipe to disinfect and clean them.
Once every week, clean the hearing aid and any custom mold pieces thoroughly.
Routinely cleaning your hearing aids will help prevent wax buildup on the earpiece.
3. Keep Your Hearing Aids Dry
Most hearing aids are not made to get wet. Even high humidity can damage them. Don’t keep them on the nightstand after cleaning.
Hearing aids lying on a surface in your house will accumulate dust that carries bacteria.
Keep your hearing aids in a cool, dry place as outlined by the manufacturer’s guidelines. Remember to take them out before you shower or take a bath. Moisture is still present in the air when you shower, so don’t put them on the bathroom counter when getting ready.
Bring an umbrella with you if it’s raining.
Your battery might die faster because it has to make use of more energy in a moist environment, so you should always carry 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. Keep The Battery Charged
Keep your battery charged and bring a backup when you attend an important event.
Turn your hearing aids completely off before you go to bed. If you’re not going to wear them for an extended period of time, always take out the battery. If you let your hearing aids sit for long periods of time with the battery in them, the life of the battery can be diminished and their sensitive electronics can be damaged by battery acid.
You can significantly prolong the life of your batteries with this advice 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 put your hearing aid in. If this earwax is allowed to build up, it might eventually cause voices to sound distorted. If your hearing experience doesn’t seem correct, make an appointment with a hearing specialist to check for excess earwax accumulation.
With the right tools and know-how, it’s a simple process. An expert in hearing should be the only individual who conducts this procedure.
6. When You’re Putting in Your Hearing Aids, do it Above a Soft Surface
Taking the risk of dropping your hearing aid into the toilet or sink is really not worth it. This can easily result in dropping the hearing aid and breaking it. Over a bed, couch, or soft folded towel would be a suitable place to insert them.
7. Contact a Specialist if You Aren’t Experiencing Better Hearing
You need to continue to wear your hearing aids even if you’re not currently having the best success. Your situation can be improved. Make an appointment to come see us.