How would you handle 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! It’s important to invest in hearing aids for your hearing, your happiness, and your general 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 working at peak condition.
1. Get to Know The Instruction Manual
Your hearing aids came with a manual explaining how to take care of them so that you can get the best results. Many technical challenges 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 cover any problems pertaining to the performance of your hearing aids. This is important even if you’ve had hearing aids before because your new devices may not function in the same manner. Obviously, hearing aid technology has progressed considerably in recent years.
2. Clean Your Hearing Aids
Hearing aids can provide a breeding ground for bacteria.
While there’s always some harmless bacteria on your skin, if you don’t wash your hands or properly clean the hearing aids, it can result in an infection.
Further hearing issues can be the outcome of an ear infection. Most go away quickly, but some can cause permanent 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 frequently 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 thoroughly.
Routinely cleaning your hearing aids will help stop wax buildup on the earpiece.
3. Keep Your Hearing Aids Dry
Most hearing aids are not made to get wet. They can even be damaged by high humidity. After cleaning, don’t keep them on the nightstand.
Hearing aids will gather dust which contains bacteria if they are left resting on an exposed surface.
Store your hearing aids in a cool, dry place according to the manufacturer’s guidelines. Before you go into the shower or take a bath, make sure you take them out. Keep your hearing aids out of the bathroom when you shower because there will be moisture in the air.
When it rains, take an umbrella.
Always bring your charger with you because your battery may drain faster if there’s moisture in the air.
Heat can also cause damage to 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 backup battery at your nephew’s concert.
Turn your hearing aids completely off before you go to bed. If you’re not going to wear them for a prolonged period of time, always take out the battery. You’ll get more life out of the battery this way, and you’ll avoid the risk of battery acid damaging the hearing aid’s delicate electronics.
The life of your battery can be significantly lengthened by adhering to these recommendations but it doesn’t hurt to bring a spare along, just in case.
5. Get a Hearing Professional to Clean Your Ears
A small amount 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. Schedule an appointment for a cleaning with your hearing professional if your hearing seems dull and muted.
The removal procedure is simple with the correct tools. An expert in hearing should be the only person who conducts this procedure.
6. Insert Your Hearing Aids Over a Soft Surface
Don’t risk 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 put them in.
7. If You Aren’t Experiencing Improved Hearing, Contact a Specialist
You need to continue to wear your hearing aids even if you’re not currently having the best success. There are answers. Make an appointment to come see us.