How would you handle it if your hearing aid stopped working at the worst possible moment. Such as in the middle of a phone call?
Nobody wants that to occur! Your hearing aids are a significant investment in your hearing, happiness, and overall health. Keeping them functioning in peak condition allows you to obtain the greatest possible advantages from them.
The following are 7 tips to help you correctly care for your hearing aids and keep them operating in peak condition.
1. Read The Instructions
The best results will be accomplished when you use the manual that was included with your hearing aids. These manuals typically come with troubleshooting guides that will help you resolve many technical challenges.
If something isn’t functioning correctly, always check the manual first.
Any issues associated with the performance of your hearing aid should be addressed in the manual. This is important even if you’ve worn hearing aids before because your new devices might not work the same way. After all, there have been many advances in hearing aid technology in the last few years.
2. Keep Your Hearing Aids Clean
Hearing aids can provide a breeding ground for bacteria.
If you fail to clean and disinfect your hearing aids and wash your hands before you handle them, an ear infection can be the result.
Ear infections can cause further hearing concerns. Some of these issues are short lived but permanent damage can also take place.
After every use, wipe your hearing aids down with a dry cloth because bacteria bread faster on moist surfaces. Never put your hearing aids in water. Taking care not to get them too wet, utilize an alcohol-free wet wipe to clean and disinfect.
Once a week, clean the hearing aid and any custom mold pieces completely.
Regularly cleaning your hearing aids will help prevent 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. Don’t leave them on the nightstand after cleaning.
Hearing aids will gather dust which has bacteria if they are left sitting on an open surface.
Store your devices in a cool, dry place according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Remember to take them out before you bathe or shower. Leave your hearing aids out of the bathroom during your shower because there will be moisture in the air.
When it’s raining, bring an umbrella.
Always bring 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 intense heat, such as a blow dryer or sauna, as that can also damage them.
4. Avoid Draining The Battery
Don’t get caught without a spare battery at your nephew’s piano recital.
Turn your hearing aids completely off before you go to sleep. Remove the batteries if you are going to go for a long time period without using your hearing aids. If you let your hearing aids sit for long time periods with the battery in them, the life of the battery can be decreased and their delicate electronics can be harmed by battery acid.
The life of your battery can be substantially extended by following these recommendations but it doesn’t hurt to bring a spare along, just in case.
5. Have Your Ears Professionally Cleaned
A little bit of wax is pushed into your ear canal every time you insert your hearing aid. Voices will eventually begin to sound muted as this earwax builds up. Set up an appointment for a cleaning with your hearing specialist if your hearing seems dull and muted.
The removal procedure is simple with the correct tools. It should only be done by a trained professional with the expertise to service and care for your hearing aids.
6. When You’re Putting in Your Hearing Aids, do it Over a Soft Surface
Don’t risk dropping your hearing aids in the toilet or sink. This can definitely result in dropping the hearing aid and damaging it. Over a couch, bed, or soft folded towel would be a suitable place to insert them.
7. Talk to a Specialist if You Aren’t Experiencing Improved Hearing
If you aren’t having the best experience with your hearing aids, don’t discontinue wearing them. Your situation can be enhanced. Make an appointment to come see us for an exam.