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! It’s important to invest in hearing aids for your hearing, your happiness, and your general health. Keeping them functioning at maximum condition allows you to obtain the greatest possible advantages from them.
You can correctly care for your hearing aids and keep them working in peak condition by following these 7 tips.
1. Become Familiar With The Instruction Manual
Your hearing aids came with a manual describing how to take care of them to experience the best results. Many technical challenges you might be experiencing can be resolved by the trouble-shooting guides that are included with these manuals.
Always go to the manual first if something isn’t working correctly.
The manual should cover any problems 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. Obviously, hearing aid technology has progressed significantly in recent years.
2. Clean Your Hearing Aids
Bacteria like to use hearing aids as a breeding ground.
If you fail to clean and disinfect your hearing aids and wash your hands before you handle them, an ear infection can be the result.
Further hearing issues can be the consequence of an ear infection. Most are temporary, but some can cause permanent damage.
Bacteria favor damp surfaces, so clean each hearing aid with a dry cloth before and after every use. 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.
Clean them carefully once per week, including any custom mold pieces.
The earpiece will be free of any wax buildup with frequent cleaning.
3. Keep Your Hearing Aids Dry
Getting wet is not something that most hearing aids are designed to do. They can even be damaged by high humidity. After cleaning, don’t keep them on the nightstand.
Hearing aids will gather dust which has bacteria if they are left lying on an exposed surface.
Store your hearing aids in a cool, dry place in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations. Before you go into the shower or take a bath, make sure you take them out. Moisture is still present in the air when you shower, so don’t put them on the bathroom counter while getting ready.
When it’s raining, carry an umbrella.
Always keep your charger with you because your battery may drain faster if the air has moisture.
Don’t allow your hearing aid to be exposed to intense heat, like a blow dryer or sauna, as that can also damage them.
4. Keep The Battery Charged
Keep your battery charged and bring a backup when you attend a significant event.
When you take your hearing aids off to go to sleep, turn them all the way off. If you plan on not wearing them for an extended length of time, always remove the battery. You’ll get more life from the battery this way, and you’ll avoid the chance of battery acid damaging the hearing aid’s delicate electronics.
The life of your battery can be significantly extended by adhering to these guidelines but it doesn’t hurt to bring a spare along, just in case.
5. Have Your Ears Cleaned Professionally
A small amount of wax is pushed into your ear canal every time you put your hearing aid in. If this earwax is allowed to build up, it may eventually cause voices to sound muted. If your hearing experience doesn’t seem correct, make an appointment with a hearing professional to check for excess earwax accumulation.
The removal process is simple with the right tools. A hearing professional should be the only person who performs this procedure.
6. When You’re Putting in Your Hearing Aids, do it 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 breaking it. Over a bed, couch, or soft folded towel would be a suitable place to put them in.
7. If You’re Not Experiencing Improved Hearing, Contact a Specialist
If you aren’t having the best experience with your hearing aids, don’t stop wearing them. There are solutions. Make an appointment for a consultation.