What would you do if your hearing aids stopped working at a time when you needed them most. Like when you’re in a crucial meeting.
That’s not something anyone wants! Your hearing aids are an important investment in your hearing, happiness, and general health. Keeping them functioning at maximum condition allows you to obtain the greatest possible advantages from them.
The following are 7 steps to help you properly care for your hearing aids and keep them operating in peak condition.
1. Get to Know The Instruction Manual
The most beneficial results will be accomplished when you use the manual that came with your hearing aids. These manuals normally include troubleshooting guides that will help you solve many technical challenges.
If something isn’t working properly, always check the manual first.
The manual should address any issues related to the performance of your hearing aids. Modern hearing aids function differently than the older models so even if you’ve used hearing aids before this is important. After all, there have been many changes in hearing aid technology in the past few years.
2. Clean Your Hearing Aids
Bacteria often use hearing aids as a breeding ground.
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.
Additional hearing issues can be the outcome of an ear infection. Most are temporary, but some can cause irreversible damage.
After every use, wipe your hearing aids down with a dry cloth because bacteria bread faster on moist surfaces. Water can damage your hearing aid so keep them out of water. Being careful not to get them too wet, utilize an alcohol-free wet wipe to disinfect and clean them.
Clean them thoroughly 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. Even high humidity can cause damage. Don’t put them on the nightstand after cleaning.
Hearing aids will collect dust which contains bacteria if they are left lying on an exposed surface.
Follow the recommendations of the manufacturer and keep them in a cool dry place. Before you go into the shower or bathe, be 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’s raining, take an umbrella.
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.
Don’t allow your hearing aid to be exposed to intense heat, like a blow dryer or sauna, because that can also do damage to them.
4. Keep The Battery Charged
Don’t get caught without a spare battery at your child’s piano recital.
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 remove the battery. You’ll get more life from the battery this way, and you’ll avoid the chance of battery acid damaging the hearing aid’s sensitive electronics.
You can substantially extend the life of your batteries with this guidance but always carry a spare battery, just in case.
5. Have Your Ears Professionally Cleaned
A little bit of wax is pushed into your ear canal each time you insert your hearing aid. If you let this earwax build up, it might eventually cause voices to sound distorted. If your hearing experience doesn’t seem right, make an appointment with a hearing professional to check for excess earwax accumulation.
With the right tools and know-how, it’s a simple process. A hearing professional should be the only individual who conducts this procedure.
6. Insert Your Hearing Aids Over a Soft Surface
Don’t chance dropping your hearing aids in the toilet or sink. This can easily 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. Consult a Specialist if You’re Not Experiencing Better Hearing
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.