Once you’ve purchased a hearing aid and become accustomed to wearing it, it’s difficult to imagine your life without it. That’s why it’s so frustrating when your hearing aid stops working. Not only do you have to worry about the cost of a replacement, if you don’t have a backup, you also have to carry on without it for at least a short time. We know what causes damage to hearing aids, and we will share some advice to help prevent damage. The following tips will keep you taking care of your hearing aid so you can continue to enjoy the quality of life you’ve enjoyed since you started wearing it.
Battery care
Your hearing aid won’t work without the battery, and it’s important to ask your hearing specialist which batteries will work with your model. Be very careful when handling your batteries, as the oils and other debris on your hands can damage them. Make sure your hands are completely dry after you wash them so you aren’t introducing damaging moisture when changing your battery.
Be sure to follow all the instructions that come with your hearing aid and battery, and be sure to turn your hearing aid off when you aren’t using it. Store it properly to protect both your hearing aid and the battery.
It’s also helpful if you get to know the “routine” for your hearing aid battery. Note on a calendar when you replace it, and figure out the best replacement method that works for you. In order to avoid not having a battery on hand when it’s time to change it, carry a spare battery with you when you leave your home.
Moisture
Hearing aids are electronic devices, and even a small amount of moisture can cause damage or make them stop working completely. Consider purchasing a dehumidifier specially made to hold your hearing aid when not in use. Consider taking off your hearing aid when you exercise to avoid damage from sweat. Talk to your hearing specialist before taking this step, as it may be dangerous to exercise outside without the ability to hear sounds, such as traffic and sirens. If necessary, take it off and exercise inside, and be sure to remove your hearing aids before you hop in the shower or pool.
Stay away from hairspray, spray deodorants and other aerosols, as they contain not only moisture but chemicals that can build up on your hearing aid over time and cause permanent damage.
Earwax buildup
While earwax may make you cringe, it actually plays a vital role in protecting your ears against dust, insects and other items. That being said, earwax can build up in your hearing aid and cause it to stop functioning correctly. Have your hearing specialist or physician examine your ears to see what type of buildup you have, as some people produce more earwax than others. This can help you develop a cleaning plan for your ears and your hearing aids.
Be careful when cleaning your ears yourself, as you should never stick a foreign object in your ear. Let warm water run into your ears when you are in the shower to break up some of the wax before it becomes a problem. Get your ears regularly cleaned by a specialist. Any expense, time or trouble this may cause will be much less than that caused by a broken hearing aid.
Follow all of the instructions for cleaning wax off your hearing aid very carefully. Taking care of your hearing aid from the damage of ear wax is important. Cleaning methods vary based on the type of hearing aid you have, and one cleaning method may be harmful to one model, yet helpful for another. If you have any questions about your cleaning methods, don’t guess! Talk to your hearing specialist or hearing aid provider to make sure you are cleaning it properly.
When wearing your hearing aids becomes second nature, it’s hard to imagine life without them. Take some simple precautions and prevent damage, so you don’t have to live without them.