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?
Nobody 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 in peak condition.
The following are 7 tips to help you properly care for your hearing aids and keep them performing at peak condition.
1. Read The Instructions
The most beneficial results will be achieved when you utilize the manual that came with your hearing aids. These manuals frequently include troubleshooting guides that will help you address many technical difficulties.
If something isn’t functioning correctly, always consult the manual first.
Any issues associated with the performance of your hearing aid should be covered in the manual. This is important even if you’ve worn hearing aids before because your new devices might not work the same way. Obviously, hearing aid technology has progressed substantially in recent years.
2. Keep Your Hearing Aids Clean
Bacteria often use hearing aids as a breeding ground.
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 result of an ear infection. Most go away quickly, but some can cause permanent damage.
Bacteria prefer moist surfaces, so clean each hearing aid with a dry cloth before and after every use. Water can ruin your hearing aid so keep them out of water. Being careful not to get them too wet, use an alcohol-free wet wipe to clean and disinfect.
Once a week, clean the hearing aid and any custom mold pieces thoroughly.
The earpiece will remain free of any wax buildup with frequent cleaning.
3. Keep Your Hearing Aids Dry
Most hearing aids are not made to get wet. Even high humidity can damage them. After cleaning, don’t put them on the nightstand.
Hearing aids resting on a surface in your home will accumulate dust that contains bacteria.
Follow the guidance 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. Keep your hearing aids out of the bathroom during your shower because there will be moisture in the air.
When it rains, carry an umbrella.
Always bring your charger with you because your battery may drain faster if the air has moisture.
Don’t allow your hearing aid to be exposed to intense heat, such as 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 nephew’s concert.
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 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 sensitive electronics can be harmed by battery acid.
You can significantly prolong the life of your batteries with this advice but always carry a spare battery, just in case.
5. Have Your Ears Cleaned Professionally
Anytime you’re putting something in your ear, it will push a small amount of earwax into the canal. If you let this earwax build up, it may eventually cause voices to sound muted. Schedule 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 take care of and service your hearing aids.
6. When You’re Inserting Your Hearing Aids, do it Over a Soft Surface
Don’t risk dropping your hearing aids in the toilet or sink. This can easily lead to dropping the hearing aid and damaging it. Over a bed, couch, or soft folded towel would be a suitable place to insert them.
7. If You Aren’t Experiencing Improved Hearing, Contact a Specialist
You need to continue to wear your hearing aids even if you aren’t currently having the best success. Your situation can be improved. Make an appointment to come see us for an exam.