What would you do if your hearing aids quit working at a time when you most needed them. Such as 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. You will get the greatest possible benefit from your hearing aids if you keep them functioning in peak condition.
You can correctly take care of your hearing aids and keep them working in top condition by implementing these 7 tips.
1. Read The Instructions
The best results will be accomplished when you make use of the manual that came with your hearing aids. These manuals normally include troubleshooting guides that will help you resolve many technical difficulties.
Always check out the manual first if something isn’t working properly.
Any issues involving the performance of your hearing aid should be addressed in the manual. 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 many advances in hearing aid technology in the last few 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 trigger additional hearing issues. Most are temporary, but some can cause irreversible damage.
After each 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. Disinfect them frequently with an alcohol-free wipe, being cautious not to get it too wet.
Once a week, clean the hearing aid and any custom mold pieces thoroughly.
The earpiece will be free of any wax buildup with regular cleaning.
3. Don’t Allow Your Hearing Aids Get Wet
Most hearing aids are not made to get wet. Even high humidity can cause damage. Don’t put them on the nightstand after cleaning.
Hearing aids will gather dust which contains bacteria if they are left lying on an exposed surface.
Stay within the recommendations of the manufacturer and store them in a cool dry place. Before you go into the shower or take a bath, be sure you take them out. Moisture is still present in the air when you shower, so don’t put them on the bathroom counter when getting ready.
Bring an umbrella with you if it’s raining.
Always bring 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, because that can also do damage to them.
4. Avoid Draining The Battery
Don’t get caught without a spare 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 plan on not wearing them for a prolonged period of time, always remove the battery. If you let your hearing aids sit for long time periods with the battery in them, the life of the battery can be diminished and their delicate electronics can be damaged by battery acid.
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
Anytime you’re inserting something into your ear, it will push a small amount of earwax inside the canal. Voices will eventually begin to sound muted as this earwax accumulates. Set up an appointment for a cleaning with your hearing specialist if your hearing seems dull and muted.
The removal process is simple with the right tools. It should only be conducted by a trained professional with the expertise to service and care for your hearing aids.
6. Insert Your Hearing Aids Above a Soft Surface
Taking the risk of dropping your hearing aid into the sink or toilet is really not worth it. This can definitely lead to 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. Talk to a Specialist if You’re Not Experiencing Better Hearing
You need to keep wearing your hearing aids even if you’re not currently having the best success. Your situation can be improved. Make an appointment to come see us.
