How would you deal with it if your hearing aid quit working at the worst possible time. Such as when you’re in an important meeting.
That’s not something anyone wants! It’s important to invest in hearing aids for your hearing, your happiness, and your general health. Keeping them functioning in peak condition allows you to obtain the greatest possible benefits from them.
The following are 7 tips to help you properly care for your hearing aids and keep them operating in peak condition.
1. Become Familiar With The Instruction Manual
Your hearing aids came with a manual describing how to maintain them so that you can experience the best results. These manuals usually include troubleshooting guides that will help you resolve many technical challenges.
Always go to the manual first if something isn’t working correctly.
The manual should cover any issues related to the performance of your hearing aids. This is important even if you’ve worn hearing aids before because your new devices may not function in the same manner. Obviously, hearing aid technology has advanced substantially in recent years.
2. Clean Your Hearing Aids
Bacteria often use hearing aids as a breeding ground.
While there’s normally some harmless bacteria on your skin, if you don’t wash your hands or properly clean the hearing aids, it can result in an infection.
Further hearing issues can be the consequence of an ear infection. Some of these issues are short lived but permanent damage can also happen.
Bacteria prefer damp surfaces, so wipe each hearing aid with a dry cloth before and after each use. Never put your hearing aids in water. Being careful not to get them too wet, utilize an alcohol-free wet wipe to disinfect and clean them.
Clean them carefully once per week, including any custom mold pieces.
The earpiece will remain free of any wax buildup with frequent cleaning.
3. Keep Your Hearing Aids Dry
Most hearing aids are not made to get wet. Even high humidity can cause damage. Don’t put them on the nightstand after cleaning.
Hearing aids will gather dust which contains bacteria if they are left lying on an open surface.
Stay within 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. Moisture is still present in the air when you shower, so don’t put them on the bathroom counter while getting ready.
When it’s raining, carry an umbrella.
Always keep 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 blow dryer, sauna, or other intense heat.
4. Keep The Battery Charged
Keep your battery charged and bring a backup when you go to a significant event.
Turn your hearing aids completely off before you go to bed. If you plan on not wearing them for an extended duration, always remove 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 delicate electronics can be damaged by battery acid.
The life of your battery can be significantly lengthened 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. If you let this earwax build up, it may eventually cause voices to sound distorted. Make an appointment for a cleaning with your hearing specialist if your hearing seems dull and muted.
With the right tools and know-how, it’s a simple procedure. It should only be conducted by a trained professional with the expertise to service and care for your hearing aids.
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 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 continue to wear your hearing aids even if you aren’t currently having the best success. There are answers. Schedule an appointment to come see us for an exam.