What would you do if your hearing aids quit working at a time when you needed them most. Like when you’re in an important meeting.
That’s not something anyone wants! Your hearing aids are an important investment in your hearing, happiness, and general health. You will get the greatest possible benefit from your hearing aids if you keep them working in peak condition.
You can correctly care for your hearing aids and keep them working in top condition by following these 7 tips.
1. Read The Instructions
Your hearing aids included an instruction manual explaining how to take care of them so that you can experience the best results. These manuals usually include troubleshooting guides that will help you resolve many technical difficulties.
If something isn’t working correctly, always check the manual first.
Any issues involving the performance of your hearing aid should be addressed in the manual. Newer hearing aids function differently than the older models so even if you’ve used hearing aids before this is important. After all, there have been lots of advances in hearing aid technology in the past few years.
2. Clean Your Hearing Aids
Hearing aids can provide a breeding ground for bacteria.
While there’s always some harmless bacteria on your skin, if you don’t wash your hands or properly clean the hearing aids, it can lead to 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.
Bacteria like damp surfaces, so clean each hearing aid with a dry cloth before and after each use. Water can ruin your hearing aid so keep them out of water. Disinfect them often with an alcohol-free wipe, being cautious not to get it too wet.
Clean them thoroughly once a week, including any custom mold pieces.
The earpiece will remain free of any wax buildup with frequent cleaning.
3. Don’t Allow Your Hearing Aids Get Wet
Most hearing aids are not designed to get wet. Even high humidity can damage them. Don’t put them on the nightstand after cleaning.
Hearing aids will collect dust which contains bacteria if they are left sitting on an open surface.
Stay within the recommendations of the manufacturer and keep them in a cool dry place. Before you go into the shower or bathe, be sure you take them out. Leave your hearing aids out of the bathroom during your shower because there will be moisture in the air.
When it’s raining, take an umbrella.
Your battery might drain faster because it needs to make use of more energy in a moist environment, so you should always bring your charger with you.
Don’t allow your hearing aid to be exposed to extreme heat, like a blow dryer or sauna, because that can also damage them.
4. Avoid Draining The Battery
Don’t get caught without a backup battery at your nephew’s concert.
When you take your hearing aids off to go to bed, turn them all the way off. If you plan on not wearing them for an extended amount of time, always remove the battery. If you allow your hearing aids to sit for long periods of time with the battery in them, the life of the battery can be diminished and their delicate electronics can be harmed by battery acid.
You can significantly extend 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
A little bit of wax is pushed into your ear canal each time you put your hearing aid in. Voices will eventually begin to sound distorted as this earwax builds up. Make an appointment for a cleaning with your hearing professional if your hearing seems dull and muted.
With the right tools and know-how, it’s a simple procedure. It should only be conducted by a trained professional with the expertise to take care of and service your hearing aids.
6. Put in Your Hearing Aids Over a Soft Surface
Don’t chance dropping your hearing aids in the toilet or sink. This can easily lead to dropping the hearing aid and damaging it. Over a couch, bed, or soft folded towel would be a suitable place to put them in.
7. If You Aren’t Experiencing Improved Hearing, Consult a Specialist
If you’re not having the best experience with your hearing aids, don’t stop wearing them. There are solutions. Schedule an appointment to come see us.