How would you handle it if your hearing aid quit 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 total health. You will get the greatest possible advantage from your hearing aids if you keep them working at maximum condition.
The following are 7 steps to help you correctly care for your hearing aids and keep them working at peak condition.
1. Get to Know The Instruction Manual
The most beneficial results will be attained when you utilize the manual that came with your hearing aids. These manuals normally come with troubleshooting guides that will help you resolve many technical challenges.
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. Modern 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. Keep Your Hearing Aids Clean
Hearing aids can be a breeding ground for bacteria.
If you don’t clean and disinfect your hearing aids and wash your hands before you use them, an ear infection can be the result.
Ear infections can lead to further hearing problems. Some of these issues are short lived but permanent damage can also occur.
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. Taking care not to get them too wet, use an alcohol-free wet wipe to clean and disinfect.
Once each week, clean the hearing aid and any custom mold pieces thoroughly.
The earpiece will be free of any wax accumulation with regular cleaning.
3. Keep Your Hearing Aids Dry
Getting wet is not something that most hearing aids are made to do. Even high humidity can cause damage. Don’t keep them on the nightstand after cleaning.
Hearing aids sitting on a surface in your home will accumulate dust that carries bacteria.
Store your devices in a cool, dry place as outlined by the manufacturer’s guidelines. Before you go into the shower or bathe, make sure you take them out. Leave your hearing aids in another room when you shower because there will be moisture in the air.
When it rains, carry an umbrella.
Always bring your charger with you because your battery may drain faster if the air has moisture.
Heat can also cause damage to hearing aids, so don’t expose them to a sauna, blow dryer, or other intense heat.
4. Keep The Battery Charged
Keep your battery charged and bring a backup when you attend a significant event.
When you take your hearing aids off to go to bed, turn them all the way off. If you’re not going to wear them for a prolonged amount of time, always take out the battery. If you allow your hearing aids to sit for long time periods with the battery in them, the life of the battery can be decreased and their sensitive electronics can be damaged by battery acid.
The life of your battery can be substantially prolonged by adhering to 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 put your hearing aid in. Voices will eventually begin to sound distorted as this earwax builds up. If your hearing experience doesn’t seem correct, schedule an appointment with a hearing specialist to check for abnormal earwax buildup.
With the right tools and know-how, it’s a simple procedure. An expert in hearing should be the only person who conducts this procedure.
6. When You’re Inserting Your Hearing Aids, do it Above 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 breaking it. Over a bed, couch, or soft folded towel would be a suitable place to insert them.
7. If You Aren’t Experiencing Improved Hearing, Talk To a Specialist
You need to continue to wear your hearing aids even if you aren’t currently having the best success. There are solutions. Make an appointment to come see us for a hearing test.