What would you do if your hearing aids stopped working at a time when you most needed them. Like in the middle of a phone call?
Nobody wants that to happen! Your hearing aids are an important investment in your hearing, happiness, and general health. Keeping them working at maximum condition allows you to obtain the greatest possible benefits from them.
You can properly take care of your hearing aids and keep them functioning in peak condition by following these 7 tips.
1. Read The Instructions
Your hearing aids came with a manual describing how to maintain them to experience the best results. Many technical problems you might be experiencing can be sorted out by the trouble-shooting guides that are included with these manuals.
Always check out the manual first if something isn’t working properly.
The manual should address any issues pertaining to the performance of your hearing aids. Newer hearing aids work differently than the older models so even if you’ve had hearing aids before this is important. Obviously, hearing aid technology has advanced considerably in recent years.
2. Clean Your Hearing Aids
Hearing aids can be a breeding ground for bacteria.
If you fail to clean and disinfect your hearing aids and wash your hands before you use them, an ear infection can occur.
Ear infections can cause additional hearing concerns. Some of these issues are short lived but permanent damage can also occur.
After each use, wipe your hearing aids down with a dry cloth because bacteria bread more quickly on moist surfaces. Water can damage your hearing aid so keep them out of water. Being careful not to get them too wet, use an alcohol-free wet wipe to disinfect and clean them.
Once a week, clean the hearing aid and any custom mold pieces completely.
Routinely cleaning your hearing aids will help prevent wax buildup on the earpiece.
3. Keep Your Hearing Aids Dry
Most hearing aids are not made to get wet. They can even be damaged by high humidity. Don’t leave them on the nightstand after cleaning.
Hearing aids lying on a surface in your house will collect dust that carries 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. Keep your hearing aids out of the bathroom during your shower because there will be moisture in the air.
When it’s raining, take an umbrella.
Always bring your charger with you because your battery could drain faster if the air has moisture.
Don’t allow your hearing aid to be exposed to extreme heat, such as a blow dryer or sauna, because that can also do damage to them.
4. Avoid Draining The Battery
Keep your battery charged and take a backup when you attend a significant event.
Turn your hearing aids completely off before you go to bed. If you’re not going to wear them for an extended period of time, always take out the battery. If you allow your hearing aids to sit for long time periods with the battery in them, the life of the battery can be diminished and their delicate electronics can be harmed by battery acid.
You can significantly prolong the life of your batteries with this guidance but always bring a spare battery, just in case.
5. Have Your Ears Professionally Cleaned
Anytime you’re putting something into your ear, it will push a small amount of earwax into the canal. If this earwax is allowed to build up, it might eventually cause voices to sound distorted. Set up an appointment for a cleaning with your hearing professional if your hearing seems dull and muted.
The removal procedure is simple with the right tools. It should only be done 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
Taking the chance of dropping your hearing aid into the sink or toilet is really not worth it. Dropping and damaging your hearing aid becomes a realistic possibility in this situation. Always insert your devices over a soft surface such as a bed, sofa, or a folded towel placed on a table or counter.
7. If You’re Not Experiencing Improved Hearing, Contact a Specialist
You need to keep wearing your hearing aids even if you aren’t currently having the best success. Your situation can be improved. Schedule an appointment to come see us for a hearing test.
