Once you’ve adjusted to life with your hearing aid, it becomes an indispensable part of your daily routine. The thought of it malfunctioning can be daunting, not only because of the inconvenience but also due to the potential cost of repairs or replacements.
How to best care for your hearing aid
Understanding what can damage your hearing aid and learning how to care for it properly will help you maintain its performance and ensure it continues to enhance your quality of life.
Proper batter maintenance
Your hearing aid’s functionality is highly dependent on its battery. Therefore, selecting the correct batteries for your device is crucial. Consult with your hearing specialist to determine the best battery type for your model. Handling the batteries with care is equally important. Oils, dirt, and moisture from your hands can contaminate the batteries, leading to potential damage.
Always wash your hands before changing the battery, and make sure they are thoroughly dried to avoid introducing moisture into the device.
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions meticulously, particularly concerning battery care. Turn off your hearing aid when it’s not in use to preserve battery life and store it in a secure, dry place. Familiarizing yourself with the battery’s typical lifespan is also beneficial. Mark on your calendar when you change the battery, so you can anticipate when it needs to be replaced. To avoid being caught without power, always carry a spare battery with you, especially when you’re away from home.
Protect against moisture
As electronic devices, hearing aids are vulnerable to moisture. Even minimal exposure can result in damage or a complete breakdown of the device. To protect your hearing aid, consider investing in a dehumidifier designed specifically for hearing aids. This device can safely store your hearing aid when it’s not in use, keeping it dry and free from moisture-related issues.
When engaging in physical activities that cause sweating, you might consider removing your hearing aid to prevent moisture damage. However, consult your hearing specialist first, as removing your hearing aid during exercise, especially outdoors, may pose safety risks by limiting your ability to hear environmental sounds like traffic or alarms. If necessary, opt for indoor exercise where it’s safer to be without your hearing aid, and always remember to remove your device before showering or swimming.
Additionally, avoid using hairspray, spray deodorants, and other aerosol products while wearing your hearing aid. These products contain moisture and chemicals that can accumulate on the device, leading to long-term damage. Apply these products before putting on your hearing aid to minimize exposure.
Manage earwax buildup
Although earwax plays a protective role by keeping dust, insects, and other foreign particles out of your ears, it can pose a problem for your hearing aid. Earwax can accumulate in the device, causing it to malfunction. To manage this, have your ears examined by your hearing specialist or physician to assess the level of earwax buildup and create an appropriate cleaning routine for both your ears and hearing aid.
Cleaning your ears safely is vital—never insert foreign objects into your ear canal. Instead, allow warm water to flow into your ears during showers, which can help break up and wash away some of the wax. Regular professional ear cleaning is also advisable. While this may seem inconvenient, it’s far less troublesome than dealing with a malfunctioning hearing aid caused by excessive earwax.
When it comes to cleaning your hearing aid, follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. Different types of hearing aids may require different cleaning techniques, and using the wrong method could cause harm to your device. If you’re unsure about the proper cleaning method, consult your hearing specialist or hearing aid provider to ensure you’re taking the correct steps to protect your device from earwax damage.
Simple Steps for Long-Term Reliability
After you’ve grown accustomed to wearing your hearing aids, they become an integral part of your life, making it difficult to imagine managing without them. By taking a few simple precautions, you can prevent damage and ensure your hearing aids remain reliable for years to come. Regular maintenance, proper storage, and careful handling are key to keeping your hearing aids in optimal condition, allowing you to continue enjoying the enhanced quality of life they provide.
Find a hearing specialist near you you’re experiencing issues with your hearing aid or need to schedule a regular maintenance appointment.
