How would you handle it if your hearing aid stopped working at the worst possible moment. Such as when you’re in an important meeting.
No one wants that to happen! Your hearing aids are an important investment in your hearing, happiness, and overall health. You will get the greatest possible benefit from your hearing aids if you keep them functioning 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. Understand The Instructions
Your hearing aids came with a manual outlining how to maintain them so that you can get the best results. These manuals often include troubleshooting guides that will help you address many technical challenges.
If something isn’t functioning correctly, always check the manual first.
The manual should address any issues related to the performance of your hearing aids. Modern hearing aids function differently than the older models so even if you’ve had hearing aids before this is important. Obviously, hearing aid technology has progressed considerably 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 handle them, an ear infection can be the result.
Ear infections can trigger further hearing issues. Most go away quickly, but some can cause irreversible damage.
After every use, wipe your hearing aids down with a dry cloth because bacteria bread more quickly on moist surfaces. Water can ruin your hearing aid so keep them out of water. Disinfect them often with an alcohol-free wipe, being careful not to get it too wet.
Clean them thoroughly once a week, including any custom mold pieces.
The earpiece will be free of any wax accumulation with regular cleaning.
3. Don’t Allow 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. After cleaning, don’t put them on the nightstand.
Hearing aids sitting on a surface in your house will accumulate dust that contains bacteria.
Follow the guidance 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. Keep your hearing aids in another room when you shower because there will be moisture in the air.
When it rains, take an umbrella.
Always keep your charger with you because your battery may drain faster if the air has moisture.
Don’t allow your hearing aid to be exposed to intense heat, like a blow dryer or sauna, because that can also do damage to them.
4. Keep The Battery Charged
Keep your battery charged and bring a backup when you go to a significant event.
When you take your hearing aids off to go to sleep, turn them all the way off. Remove the batteries if you are going to go for a long time without using your hearing aids. If you let your hearing aids sit for long time periods with the battery in them, the life of the battery can be diminished and their delicate electronics can be damaged by battery acid.
You can significantly extend the life of your batteries with this advice but always carry a spare battery, 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 put your hearing aid in. If this earwax is allowed to build up, it may eventually cause voices to sound muted. If your hearing experience doesn’t seem correct, make an appointment with a hearing professional to check for excess earwax accumulation.
The removal procedure is simple with the right tools. It should only be conducted by a trained professional with the expertise to take care of and service your hearing aids.
6. When You’re Putting in Your Hearing Aids, do it Over a Soft Surface
Taking the chance 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 insert them.
7. If You’re Not Experiencing Improved Hearing, Consult a Specialist
If you’re not having the best experience with your hearing aids, don’t stop wearing them. There are answers. Schedule an appointment to come see us for a hearing test.