What would you do if your hearing aids stopped working at a time when you most needed them. Like in the middle of a phone call?
That’s not something anyone wants! 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 working in peak condition.
You can correctly take care of your hearing aids and keep them working in top condition by following these 7 tips.
1. Get to Know The Instruction Manual
Your hearing aids included an instruction manual describing how to maintain them so that you can get the best results. These manuals typically include troubleshooting guides that will help you solve many technical challenges.
If something isn’t working correctly, always consult the manual first.
The manual should cover any problems related to the performance of your hearing aids. Modern hearing aids function differently than the older models so even if you’ve used 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 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.
Ear infections can trigger additional hearing issues. Some of these problems are short lived but permanent damage can also happen.
Bacteria prefer damp surfaces, so wipe each hearing aid with a dry cloth before and after every use. Water can damage your hearing aid so keep them out of water. Disinfect them often with an alcohol-free wipe, being mindful not to get it too wet.
Once a week, clean the hearing aid and any custom mold pieces completely.
The earpiece will remain free of any wax buildup with regular cleaning.
3. Don’t Let Your Hearing Aids Get Wet
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 keep them on the nightstand.
Hearing aids lying on a surface in your house will collect dust that contains bacteria.
Follow the guidance of the manufacturer and keep them in a cool dry place. Before you go into the shower or bathe, make sure you take them out. Leave your hearing aids out of the bathroom during your shower because there will be moisture in the air.
When it’s raining, bring an umbrella.
Always bring your charger with you because your battery may 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 extreme heat.
4. Keep The Battery Charged
Keep your battery charged and bring a backup when you go to an important event.
Turn your hearing aids completely off before you go to sleep. If you’re not going to wear them for a prolonged length of time, always take out the battery. You’ll get more life from the battery this way, and you’ll avoid the risk of battery acid damaging the hearing aid’s sensitive electronics.
You can substantially extend the life of your batteries with this advice but always carry a spare battery, just in case.
5. Get a Hearing Professional to Clean Your Ears
Anytime you’re putting something in your ear, it will push a little bit of earwax inside the canal. If you let this earwax build up, it might eventually cause voices to sound distorted. Schedule an appointment for a cleaning with your hearing professional if your hearing seems dull and muted.
With the right tools and know-how, it’s a simple process. An expert in hearing should be the only individual who performs this procedure.
6. Put in Your Hearing Aids Over a Soft Surface
Taking the chance of dropping your hearing aid into the sink or toilet is really not worth it. Dropping and breaking your hearing aid becomes a real possibility in this scenario. Over a couch, bed, or soft folded towel would be a suitable place to insert them.
7. Consult a Specialist if You’re Not Experiencing Improved Hearing
You need to continue to wear your hearing aids even if you’re not currently having the best success. Your situation can be enhanced. Schedule an appointment to come see us for an exam.