What would you do if your hearing aids stopped working at a time when you most needed them. 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. You will get the greatest possible benefit from your hearing aids if you keep them functioning at maximum condition.
You can properly care for your hearing aids and keep them functioning in top condition by implementing these 7 tips.
1. Get to Know The Instruction Manual
Your hearing aids came with a manual explaining how to maintain them so that you can experience the best results. Many technical difficulties you may be having can be sorted out by the trouble-shooting guides that are included with these manuals.
If something isn’t functioning properly, always check the manual first.
The manual should cover any issues pertaining to the performance of your hearing aids. This is important even if you’ve had hearing aids before because your new devices may not function the same way. Obviously, hearing aid technology has progressed substantially in recent years.
2. Keep Your Hearing Aids Clean
Hearing aids can be a breeding ground for bacteria.
While there’s normally some harmless bacteria on your skin, if you don’t wash your hands or properly clean the hearing aids, it can cause an infection.
Additional hearing issues can be the outcome of an ear infection. Most go away quickly, but some can cause permanent damage.
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. Taking care not to get them too wet, utilize an alcohol-free wet wipe to clean and disinfect.
Once every week, clean the hearing aid and any custom mold pieces thoroughly.
Routinely cleaning your hearing aids will help prevent wax buildup on the earpiece.
3. Don’t Let Your Hearing Aids Get Wet
Most hearing aids are not designed to get wet. They can even be damaged by high humidity. Don’t keep them on the nightstand after cleaning.
Hearing aids resting on a surface in your home will accumulate dust that contains bacteria.
Stay within the guidance of the manufacturer and store them in a cool dry place. Before you go into the shower or bathe, be sure you take them out. Keep your hearing aids in another room during your shower because there will be moisture in the air.
When it rains, carry an umbrella.
Always keep your charger with you because your battery could drain faster if there’s moisture in the air.
Heat can also cause damage to hearing aids, so don’t expose them to a blow dryer, sauna, or other intense heat.
4. Keep The Battery Charged
Keep your battery charged and bring a backup when you go to a significant event.
Turn your hearing aids completely off before you go to sleep. If you’re not going to wear them for an extended duration, always remove the battery. If you allow your hearing aids to 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 prolonged by following these suggestions but it doesn’t hurt to bring a spare along, just in case.
5. Have Your Ears Cleaned Professionally
Anytime you’re putting something in your ear, it will push a little bit of earwax into the canal. Voices will eventually start to sound muffled as this earwax builds up. Make an appointment for a cleaning with your hearing specialist if your hearing seems dull and muted.
With the correct tools and know-how, it’s a simple procedure. It should only be done by a trained professional with the expertise to service and care for your hearing aids.
6. When You’re Inserting Your Hearing Aids, do it Over a Soft Surface
Taking the risk of dropping your hearing aid into the toilet or sink is really not worth it. Dropping and damaging your hearing aid becomes a real possibility in this scenario. Over a bed, couch, or soft folded towel would be a suitable place to put them in.
7. Consult a Specialist if You’re Not Experiencing Better Hearing
If you aren’t having the best experience with your hearing aids, don’t discontinue wearing them. There are answers. Make an appointment to come see us for a hearing test.