How would you deal with it if your hearing aid stopped working at the worst possible moment. Like when you’re in a crucial meeting.
That’s not something anyone wants! It’s important to invest in hearing aids for your hearing, your happiness, and your overall health. Keeping them working in peak condition allows you to obtain the greatest possible benefits from them.
You can properly take care of your hearing aids and keep them working in peak condition by implementing these 7 tips.
1. Read The Instructions
Your hearing aids included an instruction manual explaining how to maintain them so that you can get the best results. Many technical challenges you may be having can be solved by the trouble-shooting guides that are in these manuals.
If something isn’t functioning correctly, always check the manual first.
The manual should address any problems pertaining to the performance of your hearing aids. Newer hearing aids work differently than the older models so even if you’ve used hearing aids before this is important. Obviously, hearing aid technology has advanced substantially in recent 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 thoroughly clean the hearing aids, it can cause an infection.
Ear infections can lead to additional hearing concerns. Most go away quickly, but some can cause permanent damage.
After each use, wipe your hearing aids down with a dry cloth because bacteria bread faster on moist surfaces. 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.
Once a week, clean the hearing aid and any custom mold pieces completely.
The earpiece will be free of any wax buildup with regular cleaning.
3. Don’t Allow Your Hearing Aids Get Wet
Most hearing aids are not designed to get wet. Even high humidity can damage them. Don’t keep them on the nightstand after cleaning.
Hearing aids will gather dust which contains bacteria if they are left sitting on an open surface.
Adhere to the recommendations of the manufacturer and keep them in a cool dry place. Remember to take them out before you shower or take a bath. Leave your hearing aids out of the bathroom when you shower because there will be moisture in the air.
Bring an umbrella with you if it’s raining.
Your battery might die faster because it needs to use more energy in a moist environment, so you should always bring your charger with you.
Heat can also damage hearing aids, so don’t expose them to a sauna, blow dryer, or other extreme heat.
4. Keep The Battery Charged
Don’t get caught without a spare battery at your nephew’s concert.
Turn your hearing aids completely off before you go to bed. If you plan on not wearing them for a prolonged length of time, always take out the battery. If you allow your hearing aids to sit for long periods of time 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 prolong the life of your batteries with this advice but always bring a spare battery, just in case.
5. Have Your Ears Professionally Cleaned
A small amount 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 correct, schedule an appointment with a hearing professional to check for abnormal earwax buildup.
The removal process is simple with the correct tools. A hearing professional should be the only person who conducts this procedure.
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. Dropping and damaging your hearing aid becomes a realistic possibility in this situation. 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, Talk To a Specialist
If you’re not having the best experience with your hearing aids, don’t discontinue wearing them. There are solutions. Schedule an appointment to come see us for an exam.