How would you deal with it if your hearing aid stopped working at the worst possible time. Like in the middle of a phone call?
That’s not something anyone wants! Your hearing aids are an important investment in your hearing, happiness, and total health. Keeping them functioning in peak condition allows you to obtain the greatest possible advantages from them.
You can properly take care of your hearing aids and keep them working in peak condition by implementing these 7 tips.
1. Understand The Instructions
The most beneficial results will be achieved when you utilize the manual that came with your hearing aids. Many technical challenges you may be experiencing can be sorted out by the trouble-shooting guides that are in these manuals.
Always check out the manual first if something isn’t working correctly.
Any problems involving the performance of your hearing aid should be addressed in the manual. This is important even if you’ve had hearing aids before because your new devices might not work the same way. Obviously, hearing aid technology has progressed significantly in recent years.
2. Clean Your Hearing Aids
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 further hearing issues. Some of these issues are short lived but permanent damage can also occur.
Bacteria favor damp surfaces, so clean 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.
Clean them thoroughly once a week, including any custom mold pieces.
The earpiece will be free of any wax accumulation with frequent cleaning.
3. Don’t Let Your Hearing Aids Get Wet
Most hearing aids are not made to get wet. Even high humidity can damage them. After cleaning, don’t leave them on the nightstand.
Hearing aids sitting on a surface in your house will accumulate dust that carries bacteria.
Store your hearing aids in a cool, dry place as outlined by the manufacturer’s guidelines. Don’t forget to take them out before you bathe or shower. Leave your hearing aids in another room when you shower because there will be moisture in the air.
Bring an umbrella with you if it’s raining.
Your battery may die faster because it has to use more energy in a moist environment, so you should always carry 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
Keep your battery charged and bring a backup when you go to an important event.
Turn your hearing aids completely off before you go to bed. If you plan on not wearing them for an extended period of time, always remove 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 decreased and their delicate electronics can be damaged by battery acid.
The life of your battery can be substantially prolonged by following these guidelines but it doesn’t hurt to bring a spare along, just in case.
5. Have Your Ears Professionally Cleaned
Anytime you’re inserting something in your ear, it will push a small amount of earwax inside the canal. Voices will eventually start to sound distorted as this earwax accumulates. If your hearing experience doesn’t seem correct, make an appointment with a hearing professional to check for excess earwax buildup.
With the right tools and know-how, it’s a simple procedure. It should only be done by a trained professional with the expertise to service and care for your hearing aids.
6. Insert Your Hearing Aids Over a Soft Surface
Don’t risk dropping your hearing aids in the toilet or sink. Dropping and damaging your hearing aid becomes a realistic possibility in this scenario. 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 Aren’t Experiencing Improved Hearing
You need to keep wearing your hearing aids even if you aren’t currently having the best success. Your situation can be improved. Schedule an appointment to come see us for a hearing test.