What would you do if your hearing aids stopped working at a time when you needed them most. Like in the middle of a phone call?
No one wants that to happen! It’s important to invest in hearing aids for your hearing, your happiness, and your general health. You will get the greatest possible benefit from your hearing aids if you keep them working at maximum condition.
The following are 7 tips to help you correctly care for your hearing aids and keep them operating in peak condition.
1. Understand The Instructions
Your hearing aids included an instruction manual explaining how to maintain them to experience the best results. Many technical difficulties you might be having can be solved by the trouble-shooting guides that are in these manuals.
Always check out the manual first if something isn’t working correctly.
The manual should address any issues related to the performance of your hearing aids. Modern hearing aids work differently than the older models so even if you’ve had hearing aids before this is important. After all, there have been lots of changes in hearing aid technology in the last few years.
2. Keep Your Hearing Aids Clean
Hearing aids can be a breeding ground for bacteria.
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 result in an infection.
Further hearing issues can be the outcome of an ear infection. Some of these issues are short lived but permanent damage can also take place.
After every use, wipe your hearing aids down with a dry cloth because bacteria bread more quickly on moist surfaces. You should never put your hearing aids in water. Disinfect them frequently with an alcohol-free wipe, being careful not to get it too wet.
Once a week, clean the hearing aid and any custom mold pieces thoroughly.
Routinely cleaning your hearing aids will help stop wax buildup on the earpiece.
3. Don’t Allow Your Hearing Aids Get Wet
Getting wet is not something that most hearing aids are made to do. Even high humidity can cause damage. After cleaning, don’t leave them on the nightstand.
Hearing aids will collect dust which has bacteria if they are left lying on an exposed surface.
Stay within the guidance of the manufacturer and keep them in a cool dry place. Remember to take them out before you bathe or shower. Leave your hearing aids in another room when you shower because there will be moisture in the air.
Take an umbrella with you if there’s rain in the forecast.
Your battery may drain faster because it has to make use of 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 take a backup when you go to a significant event.
Turn your hearing aids completely off before you go to sleep. Take out the batteries if you are going to go for a long period without wearing your hearing aids. You’ll get more life out of the battery this way, and you’ll avoid the chance of battery acid damaging the hearing aid’s fragile electronics.
The life of your battery can be significantly lengthened by following these suggestions but it doesn’t hurt to bring a spare along, just in case.
5. Get a Hearing Professional to Clean Your Ears
A small amount of wax is pushed into your ear canal every time you insert your hearing aid. Voices will eventually start to sound distorted as this earwax accumulates. Set up an appointment for a cleaning with your hearing specialist if your hearing seems dull and muted.
The removal procedure is simple with the correct tools. An expert in hearing should be the only person who performs this procedure.
6. Put in Your Hearing Aids Over a Soft Surface
Taking the chance of dropping your hearing aid into the toilet or sink is really not worth it. Dropping and breaking your hearing aid becomes a substantial possibility in this scenario. Always insert your devices over a soft surface such as a bed, sofa, or a folded towel placed on the kitchen table.
7. Consult a Specialist if You’re Not Experiencing Improved Hearing
You need to continue to wear your hearing aids even if you aren’t currently having the best success. There are solutions. Make an appointment to come see us.