What would you do if your hearing aids quit working at a time when you needed them most. Like in the middle of a phone call?
Nobody wants that to occur! Your hearing aids are a significant investment in your hearing, happiness, and overall health. You will get the greatest possible advantage from your hearing aids if you keep them working in peak condition.
You can correctly take care of your hearing aids and keep them functioning in top condition by following these 7 tips.
1. Understand The Instructions
The best results will be accomplished when you use the manual that was included with your hearing aids. These manuals typically include troubleshooting guides that will help you resolve many technical difficulties.
If something isn’t working correctly, always check the manual first.
The manual should cover any problems related to the performance of your hearing aids. Newer hearing aids work 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. Keep Your Hearing Aids Clean
Bacteria like to use hearing aids as a breeding ground.
While there’s normally some harmless bacteria on your skin, if you don’t wash your hands or thoroughly clean the hearing aids, it can result in an infection.
Further hearing issues can be the consequence of an ear infection. Some of these problems are short lived but permanent damage can also happen.
Bacteria like moist surfaces, so clean each hearing aid with a dry cloth before and after each 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.
Clean them thoroughly once per week, including any custom mold pieces.
Routinely cleaning your hearing aids will help prevent wax buildup on the earpiece.
3. Don’t Allow Your Hearing Aids Get Wet
Most hearing aids are not made to get wet. They can even be damaged by high humidity. Don’t leave them on the nightstand after cleaning.
Hearing aids resting on a surface in your home will accumulate dust that contains bacteria.
Store your devices in a cool, dry place in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations. Remember to take them out before you shower or take a bath. Keep your hearing aids out of the bathroom during your shower because there will be moisture in the air.
Take an umbrella with you if it’s raining.
Your battery might die faster because it needs to make use of more energy in a moist environment, so you should always bring your charger with you.
Don’t allow your hearing aid to be exposed to intense heat, such as a blow dryer or sauna, because that can also damage them.
4. Avoid Draining The Battery
Keep your battery charged and take a backup when you attend a significant event.
When you take your hearing aids off to go to sleep, turn them all the way off. If you’re not going to wear them for a prolonged amount of time, always remove the battery. 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 sensitive electronics can be harmed by battery acid.
You can significantly prolong the life of your batteries with this advice but always bring a spare battery, just in case.
5. Get a Hearing Professional to Clean Your Ears
Anytime you’re putting something into your ear, it will push a little bit of earwax into the canal. Voices will eventually begin to sound muted as this earwax builds up. Set up an appointment for a cleaning with your hearing specialist if your hearing seems dull and muted.
The removal process is simple with the right tools. It should only be performed by a trained professional with the expertise to service and care for your hearing aids.
6. Insert Your Hearing Aids Above a Soft Surface
Taking the risk of dropping your hearing aid into the sink or toilet is really not worth it. This can definitely result in dropping the hearing aid and breaking it. Always put in your devices over a soft surface like a bed, sofa, or a folded towel placed on a table or counter.
7. Talk to a Specialist if You’re Not Experiencing Better Hearing
If you’re not having the best experience with your hearing aids, don’t discontinue wearing them. There are answers. Schedule an appointment to come see us for an exam.