After you have become familiar with wearing your hearing aid, it becomes an essential element of your daily routine. The prospect of a malfunction can be unsettling, as it presents not just a disturbance to daily life, but also a substantial monetary burden in the form of repair or replacement costs.
How to best maintain your hearing aid
Being aware of what can damage your hearing aid and learning how to maintain it properly will help you maintain its performance and ensure it continues to enrich your quality of life.
Effective care of batteries
The effectiveness of your hearing aid relies greatly on its battery. Thus, it is essential to select the appropriate batteries for your device. Discuss with your audiologist to find out which battery type is most suitable for your specific hearing aid model.
It is just as significant to handle the batteries with care. Oils, dirt, and moisture from your hands can contaminate the batteries, leading to potential damage.
Always wash your hands before changing the battery, and be certain they are thoroughly dried to prevent introducing moisture into the device.
Stick closely to the manufacturer’s directions, particularly pertaining to battery maintenance. Power off your hearing aid when it’s not being used to protect battery life and store it in a secure , dry place. Knowing the typical lifespan of a battery can also be very helpful.
Mark on your calendar when you change the battery, so you can prepare for when it needs to be switched out. To avoid being caught without power, always carry a spare battery with you, especially when you’re away from home.
Protect against moisture
Hearing aids, being electronic devices, are susceptible to moisture. Even nominal exposure can lead to damage or a total malfunction of the device. Protect your hearing aid’s functionality by purchasing a specialized drying device to maintain its functionality by getting rid of moisture. This unit provides a safe and dry environment for your hearing aid when not in use, safeguarding it from damage related to excessive moisture.
When participating in physical activities that trigger sweating, you may consider removing your hearing aid to stop moisture damage. However, speak with your hearing specialist first, as removing your hearing aid during exercise, especially outdoors, may pose safety risks by limiting your ability to hear environmental sounds like traffic or alarms. If possible, choose to exercise indoors where it is safer to take out your hearing aid, and make sure to remove your device before showering or swimming.
Moreover, it is suggested 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 deterioration over time. Apply these products before mounting your hearing aid to reduce exposure.
Control earwax buildup
Though earwax plays a protective role by keeping dust, insects, and other foreign debris out of your ears, it can pose a problem for your hearing aid. Earwax can accumulate in the device, causing it to breakdown. To manage this, have your ears checked out by your hearing specialist or physician to assess the level of earwax buildup and create an appropriate cleaning routine for both your ears and your hearing aid.
Cleaning your ears safely is essential– never insert any objects into your ear canal. Instead of that, let warm water enter your ears while you are showering. This can help in breaking down and eliminating some of the earwax. Regular professional ear cleaning is also advisable. While this might seem inconvenient, it’s much less troublesome than dealing with a malfunctioning hearing aid dued to excessive earwax.
When it comes to cleaning your hearing aid, follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
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 steps for continued reliability
Once you get used to using your hearing aids, they become a crucial facet of your day-to-day routine, making it hard to picture life without them. By incorporating a few basic safety strategies, you can safeguard your hearing aids from harm and preserve their reliability over the long term. Regular maintenance, proper storage, and cautious handling are key to keeping your hearing aids in optimal condition, allowing you to keep enjoying the improved quality of life they supply.
Make an appointment if you’re experiencing problems with your hearing aid or need to set up a regular maintenance appointment.