How would you handle it if your hearing aid quit working at the worst possible moment. Such as in the middle of a phone call?
Nobody wants that to happen! Your hearing aids are an important investment in your hearing, happiness, and overall health. You will get the greatest possible advantage from your hearing aids if you keep them working at maximum condition.
The following are 7 steps to help you properly care for your hearing aids and keep them operating in peak condition.
1. Understand The Instructions
The most beneficial results will be attained when you make use of the manual that was included with your hearing aids. These manuals often include troubleshooting guides that will help you solve many technical difficulties.
If something isn’t working correctly, always consult the manual first.
Any problems associated with the performance of your hearing aid should be covered in the manual. This is important even if you’ve had hearing aids before because your new devices might not function the same way. Obviously, hearing aid technology has advanced considerably in recent years.
2. Keep Your Hearing Aids Clean
Hearing aids can provide a breeding ground for bacteria.
While there’s normally some harmless bacteria on your skin, if you don’t wash your hands or thoroughly clean the hearing aids, it can lead to an infection.
Ear infections can lead to further hearing concerns. Some of these issues are short-lived but permanent damage can also take place.
Bacteria prefer moist surfaces, so clean each hearing aid with a dry cloth before and after each use. Water can ruin your hearing aid so keep them out of water. Disinfect them frequently with an alcohol-free wipe, being mindful not to get it too wet.
Once every week, clean the hearing aid and any custom mold pieces completely.
The earpiece will remain free of any wax buildup with frequent cleaning.
3. Don’t Let Your Hearing Aids Get Wet
Getting wet is not something that most hearing aids are made to do. They can even be damaged by high humidity. After cleaning, don’t put them on the nightstand.
Hearing aids sitting on a surface in your house will accumulate dust that contains bacteria.
Store your devices in a cool, dry place as outlined by the manufacturer’s guidelines. Don’t forget to take them out before you shower or take a bath. Moisture is still present in the air when you shower, so don’t leave them on the bathroom counter while getting ready.
When it’s raining, take an umbrella.
Your battery may die faster because it needs to make use of more energy in a moist environment, so you should always carry your charger with you.
Heat can also cause damage to hearing aids, so don’t expose them to a blow dryer, sauna, or other intense heat.
4. Avoid Draining The Battery
Don’t get caught without a spare battery at your child’s piano recital.
When you take your hearing aids off to go to sleep, turn them all the way off. If you’re not going to wear them for an extended duration, always remove the battery. If you allow your hearing aids to sit for long periods of time with the battery in them, the life of the battery can be decreased and their sensitive electronics can be harmed by battery acid.
You can significantly prolong the life of your batteries with this guidance but always carry a spare battery, just in case.
5. Have Your Ears Professionally Cleaned
Anytime you’re inserting something into your ear, it will push a little bit of earwax into the canal. Voices will eventually start to sound muffled as this earwax accumulates. Schedule an appointment for a cleaning with your hearing professional if your hearing seems dull and muted.
With the correct tools and know-how, it’s a simple process.
6. Put in Your Hearing Aids Over a Soft Surface
Taking the chance of dropping your hearing aid into the sink or toilet is really not worth it. Dropping and damaging your hearing aid becomes a realistic possibility in this scenario. Over a couch, bed, or soft folded towel would be a suitable place to insert them.
7. Consult Us if You’re Not Experiencing Better Hearing
If you’re not having the best experience with your hearing aids, don’t discontinue wearing them. There are solutions. Make an appointment for a consultation.