How would you deal with it if your hearing aid quit working at the worst possible moment. Like when you’re in an important meeting.
That’s not something anybody wants! Your hearing aids are an important investment in your hearing, happiness, and general health. You will get the greatest possible benefit from your hearing aids if you keep them functioning in peak condition.
You can correctly care for your hearing aids and keep them working in top condition by following these 7 tips.
1. Read The Instructions
The best results will be accomplished when you make use of the manual that was included with your hearing aids. Many technical challenges you may be experiencing can be sorted out by the trouble-shooting guides that are included with these manuals.
If something isn’t working properly, always check the manual first.
The manual should cover 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 advanced considerably in recent years.
2. Keep Your Hearing Aids Clean
Hearing aids can be a breeding ground for bacteria.
While there’s normally 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 lead to additional hearing concerns. Most go away quickly, but some can cause permanent damage.
Bacteria favor damp surfaces, so clean each hearing aid with a dry cloth before and after each use. Never put your hearing aids in water. Being careful not to get them too wet, use an alcohol-free wet wipe to clean and disinfect.
Once a week, clean the hearing aid and any custom mold pieces thoroughly.
The earpiece will be free of any wax buildup with frequent cleaning.
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 keep them on the nightstand.
Hearing aids will gather dust which contains bacteria if they are left sitting on an exposed surface.
Adhere to the recommendations of the manufacturer and keep them in a cool dry place. Don’t forget to take them out before you bathe or shower. Moisture is still present in the air when you shower, so don’t leave them on the bathroom counter when getting ready.
When it’s raining, carry an umbrella.
Always keep your charger with you because your battery could drain faster if there’s moisture in the air.
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
Keep your battery charged and take a backup when you go to an important event.
Turn your hearing aids completely off before you go to bed. Take out the batteries if you are going to go for a long time period without using your hearing aids. You’ll get more life out of the battery this way, and you’ll avoid the chance of battery acid damaging the hearing aid’s delicate electronics.
You can significantly extend the life of your batteries with this advice but always bring a spare battery, just in case.
5. Have Your Ears Professionally Cleaned
A little bit of wax is pushed into your ear canal every time you put your hearing aid in. Voices will eventually begin to sound muted as this earwax builds up. If your hearing experience doesn’t seem right, make an appointment with a hearing professional to check for excess earwax accumulation.
The removal process is simple with the correct tools. A hearing professional should be the only person who performs this procedure.
6. When You’re Inserting Your Hearing Aids, do it Over a Soft Surface
Don’t chance dropping your hearing aids in the toilet or sink. This can easily result in dropping the hearing aid and damaging it. Over a bed, couch, or soft folded towel would be a suitable place to insert them.
7. If You Aren’t Experiencing Improved Hearing, Contact a Specialist
If you aren’t having the best experience with your hearing aids, don’t discontinue wearing them. There are solutions. Schedule an appointment to come see us.