What would you do if your hearing aids quit working at a time when you most needed them. Such as when you’re in an important meeting.
That’s not something anybody wants! Your hearing aids are an important investment in your hearing, happiness, and general health. Keeping them functioning in peak condition lets you obtain the greatest possible advantages from them.
You can correctly care for your hearing aids and keep them functioning in peak condition by following these 7 tips.
1. Become Familiar With The Instruction Manual
Your hearing aids included an instruction manual describing how to take care of them to experience the best results. Many technical problems you might be experiencing can be resolved by the trouble-shooting guides that are in these manuals.
Always go to the manual first if something isn’t working properly.
Any issues involving the performance of your hearing aid should be addressed in the manual. Newer hearing aids function differently than the older models so even if you’ve had hearing aids before this is important. After all, there have been many advances in hearing aid technology in the last few years.
2. Keep Your Hearing Aids Clean
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 thoroughly clean the hearing aids, it can cause an infection.
Additional hearing problems can be the consequence of an ear infection. Most go away quickly, but some can cause lasting 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 often 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 thoroughly.
The earpiece will be free of any wax buildup with frequent cleaning.
3. Don’t Let Your Hearing Aids Get Wet
Most hearing aids are not made to get wet. They can even be damaged by high humidity. After cleaning, don’t put them on the nightstand.
Hearing aids will gather dust which contains bacteria if they are left lying on an open surface.
Store your hearing aids in a cool, dry place in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations. Don’t forget to take them out before you shower or take a bath. Leave your hearing aids in another room when you shower because there will be moisture in the air.
When it’s raining, take an umbrella.
Your battery might drain faster because it has to use more energy in a moist environment, so you should always carry your charger with you.
Don’t allow your hearing aid to be exposed to intense heat, like a blow dryer or sauna, as that can also do damage to them.
4. Keep The Battery Charged
Keep your battery charged and bring a backup when you go to an important event.
When you take your hearing aids off to go to bed, turn them all the way off. Take out the batteries if you are going to go for a long time period without using your hearing aids. 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 damaged by battery acid.
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 Cleaned Professionally
A small amount of wax is pushed into your ear canal each time you put your hearing aid in. Voices will eventually start to sound muffled as this earwax builds up. Schedule an appointment for a cleaning with your hearing specialist if your hearing seems dull and muted.
The removal process is simple with the correct tools. An expert in hearing should be the only person who conducts this procedure.
6. When You’re Putting in Your Hearing Aids, do it Over 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. Contact a Specialist if You’re Not Experiencing Improved Hearing
You need to continue to wear your hearing aids even if you’re not currently having the best success. There are answers. Schedule an appointment for a consultation.