How would you handle it if your hearing aid stopped working at the worst possible moment. Like in the middle of a phone call?
That’s not something anybody wants! It’s important to invest in hearing aids for your hearing, your happiness, and your general health. You will get the greatest possible advantage from your hearing aids if you keep them working at maximum condition.
The following are 7 tips to help you properly care for your hearing aids and keep them operating in peak condition.
1. Become Familiar With The Instruction Manual
Your hearing aids came with a manual describing how to maintain them so that you can get the best results. These manuals frequently come with troubleshooting guides that will help you address many technical challenges.
Always go to the manual first if something isn’t working properly.
Any problems involving the performance of your hearing aid should be addressed in the manual. This is important even if you’ve had hearing aids before because your new devices might not function in the same manner. Obviously, hearing aid technology has progressed significantly in recent years.
2. Keep Your Hearing Aids Clean
Bacteria often use hearing aids as a breeding ground.
If you don’t clean and disinfect your hearing aids and wash your hands before you use them, an ear infection can occur.
Ear infections can cause further 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. You should never put your hearing aids in water. Disinfect them frequently with an alcohol-free wipe, being cautious not to get it too wet.
Once every week, clean the hearing aid and any custom mold pieces thoroughly.
Regularly cleaning your hearing aids will help prevent wax buildup on the earpiece.
3. Don’t Let Your Hearing Aids Get Wet
Getting wet is not something that most hearing aids are designed to do. They can even be damaged by high humidity. Don’t keep them on the nightstand after cleaning.
Hearing aids sitting on a surface in your house will collect dust that carries bacteria.
Stay within the recommendations of the manufacturer and keep them in a cool dry place. Before you go into the shower or take a bath, make sure you take them out. Moisture is still present in the air when you shower, so don’t put them on the bathroom counter while getting ready.
Take an umbrella with you if there’s rain in the forecast.
Your battery may drain faster because it needs to make use of 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, like a blow dryer or sauna, as that can also damage them.
4. Avoid Draining The Battery
Keep your battery charged and take a backup when you attend an important event.
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 a prolonged duration, always take out the battery. You’ll get more life from the battery this way, and you’ll avoid the risk of battery acid damaging the hearing aid’s delicate electronics.
The life of your battery can be significantly extended by adhering to these recommendations but it doesn’t hurt to bring a spare along, just in case.
5. Get a Hearing Professional to Clean Your Ears
A small amount of wax is pushed into your ear canal each time you insert your hearing aid. If you let this earwax build up, it may eventually cause voices to sound muffled. Set up an appointment for a cleaning with your hearing specialist if your hearing seems dull and muted.
The removal procedure is simple with the correct tools. An expert in hearing should be the only person who conducts this procedure.
6. When You’re Inserting Your Hearing Aids, do it Over a Soft Surface
Taking the risk of dropping your hearing aid into the toilet or sink is really not worth it. This can easily lead to dropping the hearing aid and breaking it. Always put in your devices over a soft surface like a bed, sofa, or a folded towel placed on the kitchen table.
7. If You Aren’t Experiencing Improved Hearing, Contact a Specialist
If you’re not having the best experience with your hearing aids, don’t discontinue wearing them. Your situation can be improved. Make an appointment to come see us for an exam.
