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?
Nobody wants that to occur! Your hearing aids are a significant investment in your hearing, happiness, and general 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 following these 7 tips.
1. Get to Know The Instruction Manual
The most beneficial results will be accomplished when you make use of the manual that came with your hearing aids. Many technical problems you may be experiencing can be solved by the trouble-shooting guides that are in these manuals.
If something isn’t working correctly, always consult the manual first.
Any problems associated with the performance of your hearing aid should be covered in the manual. Newer 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 changes in hearing aid technology in the past few years.
2. Keep Your Hearing Aids Clean
Bacteria often use hearing aids as a breeding ground.
If you don’t clean and disinfect your hearing aids and wash your hands before you handle them, an ear infection can be the result.
Ear infections can cause additional hearing issues. Some of these problems are short lived but permanent damage can also occur.
After every 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. Taking care not to get them too wet, use an alcohol-free wet wipe to clean and disinfect.
Clean them thoroughly once a week, including any custom mold pieces.
Routinely cleaning your hearing aids will help prevent wax buildup on the earpiece.
3. Don’t Let Your Hearing Aids Get Wet
Getting wet is not something that most hearing aids are designed to do. Even high humidity can damage them. Don’t leave them on the nightstand after cleaning.
Hearing aids sitting on a surface in your home will accumulate dust that contains 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 shower or take a bath. Leave your hearing aids in another room during your shower because there will be moisture in the air.
When it rains, bring an umbrella.
Always keep 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 intense heat, like a blow dryer or sauna, as that can also damage them.
4. Avoid Draining The Battery
Don’t get caught without a spare battery at your child’s concert.
Turn your hearing aids completely off before you go to sleep. If you plan on not wearing 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 risk of battery acid damaging the hearing aid’s delicate electronics.
The life of your battery can be substantially extended by following these suggestions but it doesn’t hurt to bring a spare along, just in case.
5. Have Your Ears Professionally Cleaned
Anytime you’re putting something in your ear, it will push a small amount of earwax into the canal. Voices will eventually begin to sound distorted as this earwax accumulates. If your hearing experience doesn’t seem right, schedule an appointment with a hearing specialist to check for abnormal earwax accumulation.
The removal process is simple with the right tools. A hearing professional should be the only individual who performs this procedure.
6. Put in Your Hearing Aids Over a Soft Surface
Don’t chance dropping your hearing aids in the sink or toilet. Dropping and damaging your hearing aid becomes a real possibility in this situation. Always insert your devices over a soft surface such as a bed, sofa, or a folded towel placed on the kitchen table.
7. Contact a Specialist if You Aren’t Experiencing Improved Hearing
If you aren’t having the best experience with your hearing aids, don’t stop wearing them. There are answers. Make an appointment to come see us.