How would you handle it if your hearing aid stopped working at the worst possible moment. Such as in the middle of a phone call?
No one wants that to occur! It’s important to invest in hearing aids for your hearing, your happiness, and your general health. Keeping them working at maximum condition lets you obtain the greatest possible advantages from them.
You can correctly take care of your hearing aids and keep them working in peak condition by following these 7 tips.
1. Understand The Instructions
Your hearing aids came with a manual outlining how to take care of them to get the best results. Many technical problems you might be having can be solved by the trouble-shooting guides that are in these manuals.
Always go to the manual first if something isn’t working properly.
Any problems associated with the performance of your hearing aid should be covered in the manual. Newer hearing aids function differently than the older models so even if you’ve had hearing aids before this is important. After all, there have been many advances in hearing aid technology in the past few years.
2. Keep Your Hearing Aids Clean
Bacteria like to use hearing aids as a breeding ground.
While there’s always some harmless bacteria on your skin, if you don’t wash your hands or thoroughly clean the hearing aids, it can result in an infection.
Ear infections can trigger additional hearing issues. Most go away quickly, but some can cause permanent damage.
Bacteria prefer moist surfaces, so clean each hearing aid with a dry cloth before and after every use. Water can ruin your hearing aid so keep them out of water. Taking care not to get them too wet, use an alcohol-free wet wipe to disinfect and clean them.
Once a week, clean the hearing aid and any custom mold pieces thoroughly.
The earpiece will remain free of any wax accumulation with frequent cleaning.
3. Keep Your Hearing Aids Dry
Most hearing aids are not made to get wet. Even high humidity can cause damage. Don’t put them on the nightstand after cleaning.
Hearing aids resting on a surface in your home will collect dust that contains bacteria.
Store your hearing aids in a cool, dry place according to the manufacturer’s guidelines. Before you go into the shower or take a bath, 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.
When it rains, take an umbrella.
Your battery may drain faster because it needs to make use of more energy in a moist environment, so you should always carry your charger with you.
Don’t allow your hearing aid to be exposed to extreme heat, such as a blow dryer or sauna, as that can also damage them.
4. Avoid Draining The Battery
Don’t get caught without a spare battery at your child’s concert.
When you take your hearing aids off to go to bed, turn them all the way off. If you’re not going to wear them for a prolonged period of time, 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 prolonged 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 little bit of wax is pushed into your ear canal every time you insert your hearing aid. If you let this earwax build up, it might eventually cause voices to sound muted. If your hearing experience doesn’t seem right, schedule an appointment with a hearing specialist to check for excess earwax accumulation.
The removal procedure is simple with the correct tools. It should only be conducted by a trained professional with the expertise to service and care for your hearing aids.
6. Insert Your Hearing Aids Above a Soft Surface
Don’t chance dropping your hearing aids in the toilet or sink. This can definitely 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 a table or counter.
7. Contact a Specialist if You’re Not Experiencing Improved Hearing
You need to keep wearing your hearing aids even if you’re not currently having the best success. There are solutions. Make an appointment to come see us for a hearing test.