How would you handle 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! It’s important to invest in hearing aids for your hearing, your happiness, and your overall health. Keeping them functioning at maximum condition allows you to obtain the greatest possible advantages from them.
The following are 7 tips to help you properly care for your hearing aids and keep them performing at peak condition.
1. Read The Instructions
The most beneficial results will be attained when you make use of the manual that came with your hearing aids. These manuals often come with troubleshooting guides that will help you resolve many technical difficulties.
Always go to the manual first if something isn’t working properly.
Any issues 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 had hearing aids before this is important. After all, there have been many changes in hearing aid technology in the past few 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 handle them, an ear infection can occur.
Ear infections can lead to further hearing trouble. Some of these problems 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. Being careful not to get them too wet, utilize an alcohol-free wet wipe to disinfect and clean them.
Once a week, clean the hearing aid and any custom mold pieces thoroughly.
Routinely cleaning your hearing aids will help stop wax buildup on the earpiece.
3. Keep Your Hearing Aids Dry
Most hearing aids are not designed to get wet. Even high humidity can damage them. Don’t leave them on the nightstand after cleaning.
Hearing aids will gather dust which contains bacteria if they are left resting on an exposed surface.
Follow the guidance of the manufacturer and keep them in a cool dry place. Don’t forget to take them out before you shower or take a bath. Keep 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 there’s moisture in the air.
Don’t allow your hearing aid to be exposed to extreme heat, such as a blow dryer or sauna, because that can also damage them.
4. Keep The Battery Charged
Don’t get caught without a backup battery at your nephew’s concert.
Turn your hearing aids completely off before you go to sleep. Take out the batteries if you’re going to go for a long time period without wearing 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.
The life of your battery can be substantially extended by adhering to these recommendations but it doesn’t hurt to bring a spare along, just in case.
5. Have Your Ears Cleaned Professionally
A small amount of wax is pushed into your ear canal each time you insert your hearing aid. Voices will eventually begin to sound distorted as this earwax accumulates. If your hearing experience doesn’t seem right, make an appointment with a hearing specialist to check for excessive earwax buildup.
The removal procedure is simple with the right tools. An expert in hearing should be the only person who performs this procedure.
6. When You’re Putting in Your Hearing Aids, do it Over a Soft Surface
Don’t chance dropping your hearing aids in the sink or toilet. This can definitely lead to 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, Speak to a Specialist
You need to keep wearing your hearing aids even if you’re not currently having the best success. Your situation can be improved. Schedule an appointment to come see us for an exam.