What would you do if your hearing aids quit working at a time when you most needed them. Like in the middle of a phone call?
That’s not something anyone wants! 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.
You can correctly take care of your hearing aids and keep them functioning in top condition by implementing these 7 tips.
1. Become Familiar With The Instruction Manual
Your hearing aids included an instruction manual outlining how to maintain them so that you can get the best results. These manuals often come with troubleshooting guides that will help you resolve many technical challenges.
Always check out the manual first if something isn’t working correctly.
Any issues associated with the performance of your hearing aid should be covered in the manual. This is important even if you’ve had hearing aids before because your new devices might not function in the same manner. Obviously, hearing aid technology has progressed substantially in recent years.
2. Keep Your Hearing Aids Clean
Bacteria like to use hearing aids as a breeding ground.
While there’s always some harmless bacteria on your skin, if you don’t wash your hands or thoroughly clean the hearing aids, it can result in an infection.
Additional hearing problems can be the result of an ear infection. Most go away quickly, but some can cause permanent damage.
After every use, wipe your hearing aids down with a dry cloth because bacteria bread faster on moist surfaces. You should 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.
Once every week, clean the hearing aid and any custom mold pieces completely.
Routinely cleaning your hearing aids will help stop 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 damage them. After cleaning, don’t put them on the nightstand.
Hearing aids lying on a surface in your house will collect dust that contains bacteria.
Stay within the recommendations of the manufacturer and store 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 while getting ready.
When it rains, take an umbrella.
Your battery might drain faster because it needs to use more energy in a moist environment, so you should always bring your charger with you.
Don’t allow your hearing aid to be exposed to extreme heat, such as a blow dryer or sauna, as that can also damage them.
4. Keep The Battery Charged
Don’t get caught without a spare battery at your child’s concert.
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 length of time, always take out 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 delicate electronics.
You can significantly extend the life of your batteries with this guidance but always carry a spare battery, just in case.
5. Get a Hearing Professional to Clean Your Ears
A little bit 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. Schedule 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. It should only be conducted by a trained professional with the expertise to take care of and service your hearing aids.
6. Insert Your Hearing Aids Over a Soft Surface
Don’t risk dropping your hearing aids in the toilet or sink. Dropping and damaging your hearing aid becomes a realistic possibility in this situation. Always put in your devices over a soft surface such as a bed, sofa, or a folded towel placed on a table or counter.
7. If You Aren’t Experiencing Improved Hearing, Talk To a Specialist
If you’re not having the best experience with your hearing aids, don’t stop wearing them. Your situation can be improved. Schedule an appointment for a consultation.