What would you do if your hearing aids quit working at a time when you needed them most. Like in the middle of a phone call?
That’s not something anybody wants! It’s important to invest in hearing aids for your hearing, your happiness, and your overall health. Keeping them working at maximum 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 outlining how to take care of them to experience the best results. These manuals normally come with troubleshooting guides that will help you solve many technical difficulties.
Always check out the manual first if something isn’t working correctly.
The manual should cover any issues related 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. After all, there have been lots of advances in hearing aid technology in the last few years.
2. Clean Your Hearing Aids
Bacteria like to use hearing aids as a breeding ground.
If you fail to clean and disinfect your hearing aids and wash your hands before you use them, an ear infection can be the result.
Additional hearing problems can be the result of an ear infection. Some of these problems are short lived but permanent damage can also occur.
Bacteria favor moist surfaces, so clean each hearing aid with a dry cloth before and after every use. Never put your hearing aids in water. Disinfect them frequently with an alcohol-free wipe, being mindful not to get it too wet.
Once each week, clean the hearing aid and any custom mold pieces thoroughly.
The earpiece will be free of any wax buildup with frequent cleaning.
3. Keep Your Hearing Aids Dry
Getting wet is not something that most hearing aids are designed to do. They can even be damaged by high humidity. Don’t keep them on the nightstand after cleaning.
Hearing aids resting on a surface in your home will accumulate dust that carries bacteria.
Store your devices in a cool, dry place as outlined by the manufacturer’s guidelines. Don’t forget to take them out before you bathe or shower. Leave your hearing aids in another room when you shower because there will be moisture in the air.
When it’s raining, bring an umbrella.
Your battery may die faster because it has to make use of more energy in a moist environment, so you should always carry 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. Avoid Draining The Battery
Don’t get caught without a backup 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 an extended length of time, always remove the battery. You’ll get more life out of the battery this way, and you’ll avoid the chance of battery acid damaging the hearing aid’s fragile electronics.
The life of your battery can be significantly extended by adhering to these recommendations but it doesn’t hurt to bring a spare along, just in case.
5. Get a Hearing Professional to Clean Your Ears
Anytime you’re putting something into your ear, it will push a little bit of earwax into the canal. If this earwax is allowed to build up, it might eventually cause voices to sound muted. If your hearing experience doesn’t seem right, make an appointment with a hearing professional to check for excess earwax buildup.
The removal procedure is simple with the correct tools. It should only be performed by a trained professional with the expertise to take care of and service your hearing aids.
6. When You’re Inserting Your Hearing Aids, do it Above 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. Always insert your devices over a soft surface such as a bed, sofa, or a folded towel placed on the kitchen table.
7. If You’re Not 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.
