How would you handle it if your hearing aid stopped working at the worst possible time. Like when you’re in a crucial meeting.
Nobody wants that to occur! Your hearing aids are a significant investment in your hearing, happiness, and total 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 correctly care for your hearing aids and keep them working at peak condition.
1. Understand The Instructions
Your hearing aids included an instruction manual explaining how to take care of them so that you can experience the best results. These manuals often come with troubleshooting guides that will help you solve many technical difficulties.
If something isn’t functioning correctly, always consult the manual first.
The manual should cover any issues pertaining to the performance of your hearing aids. Modern hearing aids function differently than the older models so even if you’ve had hearing aids before this is important. After all, there have been many advances in hearing aid technology in the last few years.
2. Keep Your Hearing Aids Clean
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 handle them, an ear infection can be the result.
Further hearing problems can be the result of an ear infection. Some of these problems are short lived but permanent damage can also happen.
Bacteria favor damp surfaces, so clean each hearing aid with a dry cloth before and after every use. 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.
Regularly cleaning your hearing aids will help prevent wax buildup on the earpiece.
3. Don’t Let Your Hearing Aids Get Wet
Getting wet is not something that most hearing aids are made to do. Even high humidity can cause damage. After cleaning, don’t leave them on the nightstand.
Hearing aids will collect dust which has bacteria if they are left sitting on an open surface.
Adhere to the recommendations of the manufacturer and store them in a cool dry place. Don’t forget to take them out before you shower or take a bath. Moisture is still present in the air when you shower, so don’t leave them on the bathroom counter while getting ready.
When it rains, bring an umbrella.
Always bring your charger with you because your battery may 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. Keep The Battery Charged
Keep your battery charged and bring a backup when you go to an important event.
Turn your hearing aids completely off before you go to bed. Take out the batteries if you’re going to go for a long time period without wearing your hearing aids. If you let your hearing aids sit for long periods of time with the battery in them, the life of the battery can be diminished and their sensitive electronics can be damaged by battery acid.
You can substantially prolong the life of your batteries with this advice but always carry a spare battery, just in case.
5. Have Your Ears Professionally Cleaned
A small amount of wax is pushed into your ear canal each time you put your hearing aid in. Voices will eventually start to sound distorted as this earwax accumulates. If your hearing experience doesn’t seem right, schedule an appointment with a hearing professional to check for abnormal earwax accumulation.
With the correct 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 Above a Soft Surface
Don’t risk dropping your hearing aids in the sink or toilet. Dropping and breaking your hearing aid becomes a real possibility in this situation. Over a bed, couch, or soft folded towel would be a suitable place to put them in.
7. If You Aren’t Experiencing Improved Hearing, Contact a Specialist
You need to continue to wear your hearing aids even if you’re not currently having the best success. There are answers. Schedule an appointment to come see us for a hearing test.