How would you handle it if your hearing aid quit working at the worst possible time. 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 overall health. You will get the greatest possible advantage from your hearing aids if you keep them functioning at maximum condition.
You can correctly care for your hearing aids and keep them working in top condition by following these 7 tips.
1. Get to Know The Instruction Manual
Your hearing aids included an instruction 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 solve many technical difficulties.
If something isn’t working properly, always check the manual first.
The manual should address any problems pertaining to the performance of your hearing aids. This is important even if you’ve had hearing aids before because your new devices might not work the same way. After all, there have been lots of advances in hearing aid technology in the last few years.
2. Clean Your Hearing Aids
Hearing aids can provide a breeding ground for bacteria.
If you fail to clean and disinfect your hearing aids and wash your hands before you use them, an ear infection can be the result.
Ear infections can trigger further hearing problems. Some of these issues are short lived but permanent damage can also take place.
Bacteria like damp surfaces, so clean each hearing aid with a dry cloth before and after every use. You should never put your hearing aids in water. Disinfect them often with an alcohol-free wipe, being careful not to get it too wet.
Clean them carefully once per week, including any custom mold pieces.
Regularly cleaning your hearing aids will help stop wax buildup on the earpiece.
3. Keep Your Hearing Aids Dry
Most hearing aids are not designed to get wet. Even high humidity can cause damage. After cleaning, don’t leave them on the nightstand.
Hearing aids will gather dust which contains bacteria if they are left sitting on an open surface.
Stay within the recommendations of the manufacturer and keep them in a cool dry place. Before you go into the shower or bathe, be sure you take them out. Moisture is still present in the air when you shower, so don’t leave them on the bathroom counter while getting ready.
Bring an umbrella with you if there’s rain in the forecast.
Your battery may die faster because it needs to use 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 intense heat, like a blow dryer or sauna, as that can also do damage to them.
4. Keep The Battery Charged
Keep your battery charged and bring a backup when you go to an important event.
When you take your hearing aids off to go to sleep, turn them all the way off. Take out the batteries if you’re going to go for a long time period without using your hearing aids. 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 harmed 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 small amount of wax is pushed into your ear canal each time you put your hearing aid in. Voices will eventually start to sound distorted as this earwax accumulates. If your hearing experience doesn’t seem correct, schedule an appointment with a hearing specialist to check for excess earwax accumulation.
With the correct tools and know-how, it’s a simple process. It should only be done by a trained professional with the expertise to take care of and service your hearing aids.
6. When You’re Inserting Your Hearing Aids, do it Over a Soft Surface
Taking the risk of dropping your hearing aid into the sink or toilet is really not worth it. This can definitely lead to dropping the hearing aid and breaking it. Over a bed, couch, or soft folded towel would be a suitable place to put them in.
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. There are answers. Schedule an appointment to come see us for a hearing test.