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?
That’s not something anybody wants! Your hearing aids are an important investment in your hearing, happiness, and total health. Keeping them functioning in peak condition allows you to obtain the greatest possible benefits from them.
The following are 7 steps to help you properly care for your hearing aids and keep them operating in peak condition.
1. Read The Instructions
Your hearing aids included an instruction manual describing how to maintain them so that you can get the best results. These manuals often include troubleshooting guides that will help you resolve many technical difficulties.
Always check out the manual first if something isn’t working properly.
The manual should address any problems 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. Obviously, hearing aid technology has advanced considerably in recent years.
2. Clean Your Hearing Aids
Bacteria often 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 cause an infection.
Further hearing issues can be the result of an ear infection. Some of these problems are short lived but permanent damage can also happen.
After each use, wipe your hearing aids down with a dry cloth because bacteria bread faster on moist surfaces. Water can damage your hearing aid so keep them out of water. Being careful not to get them too wet, utilize an alcohol-free wet wipe to clean and disinfect.
Once a week, clean the hearing aid and any custom mold pieces thoroughly.
The earpiece will remain free of any wax buildup with regular cleaning.
3. Don’t Let Your Hearing Aids Get Wet
Most hearing aids are not designed to get wet. They can even be damaged by high humidity. After cleaning, don’t put them on the nightstand.
Hearing aids resting on a surface in your home will accumulate dust that carries bacteria.
Follow the guidance of the manufacturer and keep them in a cool dry place. Remember to take them out before you shower or take a bath. Keep your hearing aids in another room during your shower because there will be moisture in the air.
Bring an umbrella with you if there’s rain in the forecast.
Your battery may die faster because it needs to use more energy in a moist environment, so you should always bring your charger with you.
Heat can also cause damage to hearing aids, so don’t expose them to a sauna, blow dryer, or other intense 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 plan on not wearing them for a prolonged length of time, always remove 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 prolong 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 inserting something in your ear, it will push a little bit of earwax inside the canal. Voices will eventually start to sound muffled as this earwax accumulates. Schedule an appointment for a cleaning with your hearing specialist if your hearing seems dull and muted.
The removal procedure is simple with the right tools. An expert in hearing should be the only individual who conducts this procedure.
6. When You’re Inserting Your Hearing Aids, do it Above a Soft Surface
Don’t risk dropping your hearing aids in the sink or toilet. This can easily lead to dropping the hearing aid and damaging it. Over a bed, couch, or soft folded towel would be a suitable place to put them in.
7. If You Aren’t Experiencing Improved Hearing, Talk To a Specialist
You need to keep wearing 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.