Once you’ve adapted to life with your hearing aid, it becomes an indispensable part of your daily routine. The prospect of a breakdown can be distressing, as it poses not only a disturbance to everyday life, but also a significant financial burden in the form of repair or replacement costs.
How to best take care of your hearing aid
Understanding what can damage your hearing aid and knowing how to maintain it properly will help you maintain its functionality and ensure it continues to improve your quality of life.
Practical care of batteries
The effectiveness of your hearing aid relies significantly on its battery. Hence, it is important to choose the correct 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. The natural oils, dirt, and moisture on your skin can pass on to the batteries and cause contamination, compromising their performance and potentially causing damage.
Before switching out the battery, ensure your hands are clean and thoroughly dry to keep any moisture from getting into the device.
Adhere to the manufacturer’s instructions diligently, especially regarding battery care. Power off your hearing aid when it’s not in use to protect battery life and keep it in a secure , dry place. Familiarizing yourself with the battery’s typical lifespan is also worthwhile.
Mark on your calendar when you change the battery, so you can prepare for when it needs to be replaced. It’s crucial to have a fresh 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.
Minimize the risk of moisture damage
As electronic technology, hearing aids are vulnerable to moisture. Even nominal exposure can result in damage or a complete breakdown of the device. To protect your hearing aid, think about purchasing a dehumidifier designed specifically for hearing aids. This device provides a secure and dry atmosphere 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 good plan to take it out before taking part in activities that make you perspire heavily. However, speak with your hearing specialist first, as taking out your hearing aid during exercise, particularly outdoors, may pose safety concerns by reducing your ability to hear external sounds like traffic or alarms. If necessary, go with indoor exercise where it’s safer to be without your hearing aid, and always remember to remove your device before showering or going for a swim.
Moreover, it is recommended to avoid using spray deodorants, hairspray, and any other aerosol products when your hearing aid is in use. Extended exposure to these products can lead to harm to the device, as the moisture and chemicals they contain can build up and result in irreversible degredation over time. Use these products before mounting your hearing aid to minimize exposure.
Control earwax buildup
While earwax serves as a natural barrier, shielding your ears from debris, dirt, and tiny insects, it can also interfere with the effective performance of your hearing aid. Earwax can build up in the device, causing it to fail. To manage this, have your ears examined by your hearing specialist or doctor to evaluate the level of earwax buildup and create an appropriate cleaning routine for both your ears and your hearing aid.
It is important to clean your ears carefully and never put anything foreign into your ear canal. Alternatively, allow warm water to flow into your ears in the course of showers, which can help break up and wash away some of the wax. Regular professional ear cleaning is also advisable. Even though this may be a bit of a hassle, it’s a trivial problem compared to the frustration and complications that can occur from a hearing aid that’s not functioning effectively as a result of a buildup of earwax.
When it comes to cleaning your hearing aid, follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
Various kinds of hearing aids may need specific cleaning methods, and using an incorrect technique might damage your device. If you are uncertain about how to clean your hearing aid correctly, it is recommended to seek guidance from your hearing specialist or hearing aid manufacturer.
Basic steps for long-term dependability
After you’ve grown familiar with wearing your hearing aids, they become an integral part of your life, making it difficult to imagine managing without having them. By implementing a few simple safety measures, you can protect your hearing aids from damage and preserve their reliability over the long run. Routine upkeep, proper storage, and careful handling are key to keeping your hearing aids in optimum condition, allowing you to continue enjoying the enhanced quality of life they provide.
If you are having troubles with your hearing aid or need to book a routine maintenance appointment, please arrange for a visit.
