What would you do if your hearing aids quit working at a time when you needed them most. Such as in the middle of a phone call?
No one wants that to happen! It’s important to invest in hearing aids for your hearing, your happiness, and your overall health. Keeping them working in peak condition lets you obtain the greatest possible benefits from them.
You can properly care for your hearing aids and keep them working in peak condition by implementing these 7 tips.
1. Become Familiar With The Instruction Manual
The best results will be accomplished when you make use of the manual that was included with your hearing aids. These manuals typically come with troubleshooting guides that will help you solve many technical difficulties.
If something isn’t working correctly, always consult the manual first.
The manual should address any issues related to the performance of your hearing aids. This is important even if you’ve had hearing aids before because your new devices might not work in the same manner. Obviously, hearing aid technology has progressed considerably in recent years.
2. Clean Your Hearing Aids
Hearing aids can be 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 further hearing issues. Most are temporary, but some can cause lasting damage.
After each use, wipe your hearing aids down with a dry cloth because bacteria bread more quickly on moist surfaces. Never put your hearing aids in water. Disinfect them frequently with an alcohol-free wipe, being cautious 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 accumulation with regular cleaning.
3. Don’t Allow Your Hearing Aids Get Wet
Getting wet is not something that most hearing aids are made to do. They can even be damaged by high humidity. Don’t leave them on the nightstand after cleaning.
Hearing aids will gather dust which has bacteria if they are left lying on an exposed surface.
Keep your devices in a cool, dry place as outlined by the manufacturer’s guidelines. 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 leave them on the bathroom counter while getting ready.
When it’s raining, carry an umbrella.
Always bring your charger with you because your battery may drain faster if there’s moisture in the air.
Heat can also damage hearing aids, so don’t expose them to a blow dryer, sauna, or other extreme heat.
4. Keep The Battery Charged
Keep your battery charged and take a backup when you attend a significant event.
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 an extended duration, always remove the battery. If you let your hearing aids sit for long periods of time with the battery in them, the life of the battery can be decreased 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 Cleaned Professionally
A little bit of wax is pushed into your ear canal each time you put your hearing aid in. Voices will eventually begin to sound muffled as this earwax builds up. If your hearing experience doesn’t seem correct, schedule an appointment with a hearing specialist to check for excess earwax buildup.
The removal process is simple with the right tools. An expert in hearing should be the only person who conducts this procedure.
6. Put in Your Hearing Aids Above a Soft Surface
Don’t chance dropping your hearing aids in the sink or toilet. Dropping and breaking your hearing aid becomes a substantial possibility in this situation. Over a couch, bed, or soft folded towel would be a suitable place to put them in.
7. Contact a Specialist if You’re Not Experiencing Improved Hearing
You need to keep wearing your hearing aids even if you’re not currently having the best success. There are solutions. Make an appointment to come see us for a hearing test.