How would you handle it if your hearing aid quit working at the worst possible moment. Such as when you’re in an important meeting.
Nobody wants that to happen! It’s important to invest in hearing aids for your hearing, your happiness, and your overall health. You will get the greatest possible benefit from your hearing aids if you keep them functioning in peak condition.
The following are 7 steps to help you correctly care for your hearing aids and keep them operating in peak condition.
1. Become Familiar With The Instruction Manual
The best results will be achieved when you utilize the manual that came with your hearing aids. These manuals usually include troubleshooting guides that will help you solve many technical challenges.
Always go to the manual first if something isn’t working properly.
The manual should cover any problems pertaining to the performance of your hearing aids. Modern hearing aids function differently than the older models so even if you’ve used hearing aids before this is important. Obviously, hearing aid technology has progressed considerably in recent years.
2. Clean Your Hearing Aids
Hearing aids can provide a breeding ground for bacteria.
While there’s always some harmless bacteria on your skin, if you don’t wash your hands or properly clean the hearing aids, it can cause an infection.
Ear infections can lead to additional hearing trouble. Some of these issues are short lived but permanent damage can also take place.
Bacteria favor moist surfaces, so clean each hearing aid with a dry cloth before and after each use. Water can damage your hearing aid so keep them out of water. Disinfect them regularly with an alcohol-free wipe, being careful not to get it too wet.
Once every week, clean the hearing aid and any custom mold pieces thoroughly.
The earpiece will remain free of any wax buildup with regular cleaning.
3. Don’t Let Your Hearing Aids Get Wet
Getting wet is not something that most hearing aids are designed to do. 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 accumulate dust that carries bacteria.
Adhere to the recommendations of the manufacturer and keep them in a cool dry place. Remember to take them out before you bathe or shower. Moisture is still present in the air when you shower, so don’t leave 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 there’s moisture in the air.
Don’t allow your hearing aid to be exposed to intense heat, like a blow dryer or sauna, as that can also damage them.
4. Keep The Battery Charged
Don’t get caught without a backup battery at your child’s piano recital.
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 an extended duration, always remove the battery. 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 sensitive electronics.
You can significantly extend the life of your batteries with this advice but always carry a spare battery, just in case.
5. Have Your Ears Professionally Cleaned
A little bit of wax is pushed into your ear canal each time you insert your hearing aid. Voices will eventually begin to sound muted as this earwax accumulates. If your hearing experience doesn’t seem right, make an appointment with a hearing specialist to check for excessive earwax accumulation.
With the right tools and know-how, it’s a simple procedure. It should only be done 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 risk dropping your hearing aids in the sink or toilet. This can easily lead to dropping the hearing aid and damaging it. Always put in your devices over a soft surface like a bed, sofa, or a folded towel placed on the kitchen table.
7. Consult a Specialist if You’re Not Experiencing Better Hearing
You need to continue to wear your hearing aids even if you aren’t currently having the best success. There are solutions. Make an appointment to come see us for an exam.