How would you deal with it if your hearing aid quit working at the worst possible moment. Like when you’re in a crucial meeting.
That’s not something anybody wants! It’s important to invest in hearing aids for your hearing, your happiness, and your overall health. You will get the greatest possible advantage from your hearing aids if you keep them functioning 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. Read The Instructions
The most beneficial results will be accomplished when you use the manual that came with your hearing aids. These manuals usually come with troubleshooting guides that will help you address many technical difficulties.
If something isn’t functioning properly, always check the manual first.
Any problems associated with the performance of your hearing aid should be covered in the manual. This is important even if you’ve worn hearing aids before because your new devices might not work the same way. Obviously, hearing aid technology has progressed considerably in recent years.
2. Keep Your Hearing Aids Clean
Bacteria like to use hearing aids as a breeding ground.
If you don’t clean and disinfect your hearing aids and wash your hands before you handle them, an ear infection can occur.
Ear infections can cause additional hearing trouble. Some of these issues are short lived but permanent damage can also take place.
Bacteria prefer moist surfaces, so wipe each hearing aid with a dry cloth before and after every use. Water can ruin your hearing aid so keep them out of water. Disinfect them often with an alcohol-free wipe, being mindful not to get it too wet.
Clean them carefully once per week, including any custom mold pieces.
Routinely cleaning your hearing aids will help prevent wax buildup on the earpiece.
3. Don’t Let Your Hearing Aids Get Wet
Most hearing aids are not designed to get wet. They can even be damaged by high humidity. Don’t put them on the nightstand after cleaning.
Hearing aids will accumulate dust which has bacteria if they are left resting on an exposed surface.
Keep your devices in a cool, dry place in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations. Remember 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.
Take 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.
Don’t allow your hearing aid to be exposed to intense heat, like a blow dryer or sauna, as that can also damage them.
4. Avoid Draining The Battery
Don’t get caught without a backup battery at your child’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 remove the battery. You’ll get more life from 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 extended by following these guidelines but it doesn’t hurt to bring a spare along, just in case.
5. Get a Hearing Professional to Clean Your Ears
Anytime you’re inserting something in your ear, it will push a little bit of earwax inside the canal. If you let this earwax build up, it might eventually cause voices to sound muffled. If your hearing experience doesn’t seem correct, make an appointment with a hearing specialist to check for excessive earwax buildup.
With the correct tools and know-how, it’s a simple procedure. A hearing professional should be the only person who performs this procedure.
6. When You’re Putting in Your Hearing Aids, do it Above a Soft Surface
Don’t chance dropping your hearing aids in the sink or toilet. Dropping and breaking your hearing aid becomes a substantial possibility in this scenario. Over a couch, bed, or soft folded towel would be a suitable place to insert them.
7. Consult 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 improved. Schedule an appointment for a consultation.