What would you do if your hearing aids stopped working at a time when you needed them most. Like in the middle of a phone call?
No one wants that to happen! Your hearing aids are a significant investment in your hearing, happiness, and overall health. Keeping them working at maximum condition lets you obtain the greatest possible advantages from them.
You can correctly care for your hearing aids and keep them working in peak condition by following these 7 tips.
1. Become Familiar With The Instruction Manual
Your hearing aids came with a manual outlining how to take care of them so that you can experience the best results. Many technical challenges you may be having can be sorted out by the trouble-shooting guides that are in these manuals.
If something isn’t functioning correctly, always check the manual first.
The manual should address any issues 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. After all, there have been lots of changes in hearing aid technology in the last few years.
2. Keep Your Hearing Aids Clean
Hearing aids can provide a breeding ground for bacteria.
If you don’t clean and disinfect your hearing aids and wash your hands before you use them, an ear infection can be the result.
Ear infections can trigger additional hearing concerns. Some of these issues 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 each use. Water can damage your hearing aid so keep them out of water. Disinfect them regularly 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 completely.
The earpiece will be free of any wax accumulation with regular cleaning.
3. Keep Your Hearing Aids Dry
Getting wet is not something that most hearing aids are made to do. They can even be damaged by high humidity. After cleaning, don’t keep them on the nightstand.
Hearing aids resting on a surface in your home will accumulate dust that carries bacteria.
Follow the recommendations of the manufacturer and keep 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, bring an umbrella.
Always bring your charger with you because your battery may drain faster if there’s moisture in the air.
Heat can also cause damage to hearing aids, so don’t expose them to a sauna, blow dryer, or other extreme heat.
4. Keep The Battery Charged
Don’t get caught without a spare battery at your nephew’s concert.
When you take your hearing aids off to go to bed, turn them all the way off. Remove the batteries if you are going to go for a long time period without using your hearing aids. You’ll get more life from the battery this way, and you’ll avoid the risk of battery acid damaging the hearing aid’s fragile electronics.
You can significantly prolong 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 every time you put your hearing aid in. If this earwax is allowed to build up, it might eventually cause voices to sound muffled. If your hearing experience doesn’t seem correct, schedule an appointment with a hearing professional to check for abnormal earwax buildup.
The removal process 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 Above a Soft Surface
Don’t chance dropping your hearing aids in the toilet or sink. Dropping and breaking your hearing aid becomes a substantial possibility in this scenario. Always insert your devices over a soft surface like 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 discontinue wearing them. There are answers. Make an appointment to come see us for a hearing test.
