What would you do if your hearing aids stopped working at a time when you needed them most. Such as when you’re in an important meeting.
Nobody wants that to happen! It’s important to invest in hearing aids for your hearing, your happiness, and your general health. Keeping them working in peak condition allows you to obtain the greatest possible benefits from them.
The following are 7 tips to help you correctly 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 make use of the manual that came with your hearing aids. These manuals normally come with troubleshooting guides that will help you address many technical difficulties.
If something isn’t working correctly, always consult the manual first.
The manual should address any issues pertaining to the performance of your hearing aids. Modern 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 lots of changes in hearing aid technology in the past few years.
2. Clean Your Hearing Aids
Bacteria like to 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 occur.
Ear infections can cause further hearing problems. Most go away quickly, but some can cause lasting damage.
Bacteria prefer moist surfaces, so wipe 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, utilize an alcohol-free wet wipe to disinfect and clean them.
Clean them carefully once every week, including any custom mold pieces.
The earpiece will be 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 cause damage. After cleaning, don’t leave them on the nightstand.
Hearing aids will gather dust which has bacteria if they are left lying on an open surface.
Store your devices in a cool, dry place in accordance with the manufacturer’s guidelines. Remember to take them out before you bathe or shower. Moisture is still present in the air when you shower, so don’t leave them on the bathroom counter when getting ready.
Bring an umbrella with you if there’s rain in the forecast.
Your battery might drain faster because it needs to make use of more energy in a moist environment, so you should always bring your charger with you.
Heat can also damage hearing aids, so don’t expose them to a sauna, blow dryer, or other intense heat.
4. Avoid Draining The Battery
Don’t get caught without a spare battery at your child’s piano recital.
When you take your hearing aids off to go to bed, turn them all the way off. Take out the batteries if you’re going to go for a long time without wearing your hearing aids. You’ll get more life out of the battery this way, and you’ll avoid the chance of battery acid damaging the hearing aid’s delicate electronics.
The life of your battery can be significantly lengthened by adhering to these recommendations but it doesn’t hurt to bring a spare along, just in case.
5. Get a Hearing Professional to Clean Your Ears
Anytime you’re inserting something into your ear, it will push a little bit of earwax inside the canal. If this earwax is allowed to build up, it may eventually cause voices to sound muted. If your hearing experience doesn’t seem right, schedule an appointment with a hearing professional to check for excess earwax buildup.
With the correct tools and know-how, it’s a simple process. It should only be conducted by a trained professional with the expertise to take care of and service your hearing aids.
6. Insert Your Hearing Aids Above a Soft Surface
Don’t chance dropping your hearing aids in the sink or toilet. This can easily result in dropping the hearing aid and damaging it. Always put in your devices over a soft surface like a bed, sofa, or a folded towel placed on the kitchen table.
7. Consult a Specialist if You Aren’t Experiencing Better Hearing
If you’re not having the best experience with your hearing aids, don’t stop wearing them. There are solutions. Schedule an appointment for a consultation.