How would you handle it if your hearing aid quit working at the worst possible moment. Like in the middle of a phone call?
Nobody wants that to happen! Your hearing aids are an important investment in your hearing, happiness, and total health. Keeping them working at maximum condition allows you to obtain the greatest possible benefits from them.
You can correctly care for your hearing aids and keep them working in top condition by implementing these 7 tips.
1. Become Familiar With The Instruction Manual
Your hearing aids included an instruction manual describing how to take care of them so that you can get the best results. Many technical problems you might be experiencing can be solved by the trouble-shooting guides that are included with these manuals.
If something isn’t functioning properly, always check the manual first.
The manual should address any issues pertaining to the performance of your hearing aids. Modern hearing aids function differently than the older models so even if you’ve used hearing aids before this is important. After all, there have been many advances in hearing aid technology in the past few years.
2. Clean Your Hearing Aids
Hearing aids can provide a breeding ground for bacteria.
While there’s normally some harmless bacteria on your skin, if you don’t wash your hands or properly clean the hearing aids, it can lead to an infection.
Further hearing problems can be the outcome of an ear infection. Most go away quickly, but some can cause lasting damage.
Bacteria prefer damp surfaces, so wipe each hearing aid with a dry cloth before and after every use. Water can damage your hearing aid so keep them out of water. Being careful not to get them too wet, use an alcohol-free wet wipe to disinfect and clean them.
Once every week, clean the hearing aid and any custom mold pieces completely.
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 keep them on the nightstand.
Hearing aids resting on a surface in your home will collect dust that carries bacteria.
Stay within the guidance of the manufacturer and store them in a cool dry place. Remember to take them out before you shower or take a bath. Moisture is still present in the air when you shower, so don’t put them on the bathroom counter while getting ready.
When it’s raining, 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 extreme heat, like a blow dryer or sauna, because that can also damage them.
4. Avoid Draining The Battery
Keep your battery charged and take 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. If you’re not going to wear them for an extended length of time, always take out the battery. 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 fragile electronics.
You can significantly prolong 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 insert your hearing aid. If you let this earwax build up, it might eventually cause voices to sound muted. Make an appointment for a cleaning with your hearing professional if your hearing seems dull and muted.
The removal process is simple with the right tools. An expert in hearing should be the only person who conducts this procedure.
6. Put in Your Hearing Aids Above a Soft Surface
Don’t chance dropping your hearing aids in the sink or toilet. This can definitely result in dropping the hearing aid and damaging it. Always insert your devices over a soft surface such as a bed, sofa, or a folded towel placed on the kitchen table.
7. Contact a Specialist if You Aren’t Experiencing Improved Hearing
You need to continue to wear your hearing aids even if you aren’t currently having the best success. Your situation can be enhanced. Schedule an appointment for a consultation.