How would you deal with it if your hearing aid quit working at the worst possible time. Such as when you’re in a crucial meeting.
No one wants that to happen! 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 functioning at maximum condition.
The following are 7 steps to help you properly care for your hearing aids and keep them operating in peak condition.
1. Read The Instructions
Your hearing aids included an instruction manual describing how to take care of them so that you can get the best results. Many technical problems you might be experiencing can be solved by the trouble-shooting guides that are included with these manuals.
Always go to the manual first if something isn’t working correctly.
Any problems associated with the performance of your hearing aid should be addressed in the manual. Newer hearing aids function differently than the older models so even if you’ve had hearing aids before this is important. Obviously, hearing aid technology has progressed substantially in recent years.
2. Clean Your Hearing Aids
Bacteria like to use hearing aids as a breeding ground.
If you fail to clean and disinfect your hearing aids and wash your hands before you handle them, an ear infection can occur.
Additional hearing issues can be the consequence of an ear infection. Some of these issues are short lived but permanent damage can also occur.
Bacteria prefer moist surfaces, so wipe each hearing aid with a dry cloth before and after each use. You should never put your hearing aids in water. Being careful not to get them too wet, utilize an alcohol-free wet wipe to clean and disinfect.
Once each week, clean the hearing aid and any custom mold pieces completely.
The earpiece will remain free of any wax buildup with regular cleaning.
3. Don’t Allow Your Hearing Aids Get Wet
Getting wet is not something that most hearing aids are designed to do. Even high humidity can damage them. Don’t keep them on the nightstand after cleaning.
Hearing aids resting on a surface in your house will accumulate dust that contains bacteria.
Adhere to the guidance of the manufacturer and keep them in a cool dry place. Don’t forget to take them out before you bathe or shower. Moisture is still present in the air when you shower, so don’t put them on the bathroom counter when getting ready.
When it’s raining, bring an umbrella.
Always bring your charger with you because your battery could drain faster if the air has moisture.
Heat can also damage hearing aids, so don’t expose them to a sauna, blow dryer, or other intense heat.
4. Avoid Draining The Battery
Keep your battery charged and take a backup when you attend an important event.
When you take your hearing aids off to go to sleep, turn them all the way off. Remove the batteries if you are going to go for a long time period without using your hearing aids. 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.
You can substantially prolong the life of your batteries with this guidance but always bring a spare battery, just in case.
5. Have Your Ears Cleaned Professionally
Anytime you’re putting something in your ear, it will push a small amount of earwax into the canal. If this earwax is allowed to build up, it may eventually cause voices to sound distorted. 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 right tools. A hearing professional should be the only person who conducts this procedure.
6. Insert Your Hearing Aids Above a Soft Surface
Taking the chance of dropping your hearing aid into the sink or toilet is really not worth it. This can definitely lead to dropping the hearing aid and breaking it. Always insert your devices over a soft surface like a bed, sofa, or a folded towel placed on a table or counter.
7. Consult a Specialist if You Aren’t Experiencing Improved Hearing
You need to continue to wear your hearing aids even if you aren’t currently having the best success. Your situation can be improved. Make an appointment to come see us.