What would you do if your hearing aids stopped working at a time when you needed them most. Such as when you’re in a crucial meeting.
That’s not something anybody 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 functioning at maximum condition.
The following are 7 steps to help you properly care for your hearing aids and keep them working at peak condition.
1. Become Familiar With The Instruction Manual
The most beneficial results will be achieved when you utilize the manual that came with your hearing aids. Many technical challenges you might be experiencing can be sorted out by the trouble-shooting guides that are in these manuals.
Always go to the manual first if something isn’t working properly.
The manual should cover any issues pertaining to the performance of your hearing aids. This is important even if you’ve had hearing aids before because your new devices might not work the same way. Obviously, hearing aid technology has progressed considerably in recent years.
2. Clean Your Hearing Aids
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 properly clean the hearing aids, it can cause an infection.
Additional hearing issues can be the consequence of an ear infection. Most are temporary, but some can cause irreversible damage.
After every use, wipe your hearing aids down with a dry cloth because bacteria bread faster on moist surfaces. Never put your hearing aids in water. Disinfect them frequently with an alcohol-free wipe, being mindful not to get it too wet.
Clean them thoroughly once per week, including any custom mold pieces.
Regularly 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. Even high humidity can damage them. Don’t keep them on the nightstand after cleaning.
Hearing aids lying on a surface in your home will collect dust that contains bacteria.
Stay within the guidance of the manufacturer and keep them in a cool dry place. Before you go into the shower or take a bath, make sure you take them out. Keep your hearing aids out of the bathroom when you 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 there’s moisture in the air.
Don’t allow your hearing aid to be exposed to extreme heat, such as a blow dryer or sauna, because that can also damage them.
4. Keep The Battery Charged
Keep your battery charged and take a backup when you go to 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 an extended period 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 fragile electronics.
You can substantially prolong the life of your batteries with this guidance but always bring a spare battery, just in case.
5. Have Your Ears Professionally Cleaned
A small amount of wax is pushed into your ear canal each time you put your hearing aid in. Voices will eventually start to sound muffled as this earwax accumulates. If your hearing experience doesn’t seem right, schedule an appointment with a hearing professional to check for excess earwax buildup.
With the right tools and know-how, it’s a simple process. A hearing professional should be the only person who performs this procedure.
6. Put in Your Hearing Aids Over a Soft Surface
Don’t chance dropping your hearing aids in the sink or toilet. This can definitely lead to dropping the hearing aid and damaging it. Over a couch, bed, or soft folded towel would be a suitable place to insert them.
7. If You Aren’t Experiencing Improved Hearing, Talk To a Specialist
If you aren’t having the best experience with your hearing aids, don’t discontinue wearing them. There are solutions. Make an appointment to come see us for an exam.