What would you do if your hearing aids quit working at a time when you most needed them. Such as in the middle of a phone call?
That’s not something anybody wants! Your hearing aids are an important investment in your hearing, happiness, and total health. You will get the greatest possible advantage from your hearing aids if you keep them functioning at maximum condition.
The following are 7 tips to help you correctly care for your hearing aids and keep them operating in peak condition.
1. Become Familiar With The Instruction Manual
Your hearing aids included an instruction manual explaining how to take care of them so that you can get the best results. Many technical difficulties you might be experiencing can be sorted out by the trouble-shooting guides that are included with these manuals.
If something isn’t functioning correctly, always consult the manual first.
Any issues involving the performance of your hearing aid should be addressed in the manual. This is important even if you’ve had hearing aids before because your new devices may not work in the same manner. After all, there have been lots of advances in hearing aid technology in the past few years.
2. Clean Your Hearing Aids
Bacteria like to 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.
Ear infections can cause further hearing trouble. Most are temporary, but some can cause lasting damage.
After every use, wipe your hearing aids down with a dry cloth because bacteria bread more quickly on moist surfaces. You should never put your hearing aids in water. Disinfect them often with an alcohol-free wipe, being cautious not to get it too wet.
Clean them carefully once every week, including any custom mold pieces.
Routinely cleaning your hearing aids will help prevent wax buildup on the earpiece.
3. Keep Your Hearing Aids Dry
Getting wet is not something that most hearing aids are made to do. They can even be damaged by high humidity. After cleaning, don’t leave them on the nightstand.
Hearing aids will collect dust which has bacteria if they are left sitting on an open surface.
Keep your hearing aids in a cool, dry place as outlined by the manufacturer’s guidelines. Before you go into the shower or bathe, make sure you take them out. Moisture is still present in the air when you shower, so don’t leave them on the bathroom counter when getting ready.
Take an umbrella with you if there’s rain in the forecast.
Your battery may drain faster because it needs to use 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, like a blow dryer or sauna, as that can also damage them.
4. Avoid Draining The Battery
Keep your battery charged and bring a backup when you attend a significant event.
Turn your hearing aids completely off before you go to bed. Take out the batteries if you are 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 sensitive electronics.
You can significantly extend 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
A little bit of wax is pushed into your ear canal every time you insert your hearing aid. Voices will eventually begin 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.
With the correct tools and know-how, it’s a simple process. It should only be done by a trained professional with the expertise to service and care for your hearing aids.
6. Insert Your Hearing Aids Over a Soft Surface
Don’t risk dropping your hearing aids in the toilet or sink. This can definitely result in dropping the hearing aid and breaking it. Always put in your devices over a soft surface such as a bed, sofa, or a folded towel placed on a table or counter.
7. If You Aren’t Experiencing Improved Hearing, Consult a Specialist
If you aren’t having the best experience with your hearing aids, don’t stop wearing them. Your situation can be enhanced. Schedule an appointment to come see us.