What would you do if your hearing aids stopped working at a time when you needed them most. Such as in the middle of a phone call?
That’s not something anybody wants! Your hearing aids are an important investment in your hearing, happiness, and total health. You will get the greatest possible benefit from your hearing aids if you keep them functioning at maximum condition.
The following are 7 steps to help you correctly care for your hearing aids and keep them operating in peak condition.
1. Understand The Instructions
Your hearing aids came with a manual explaining how to maintain them to get the best results. Many technical problems you might be experiencing can be solved by the trouble-shooting guides that are included with these manuals.
If something isn’t working properly, always check the manual first.
The manual should cover any problems related to the performance of your hearing aids. This is important even if you’ve worn hearing aids before because your new devices may not work the same way. Obviously, hearing aid technology has advanced substantially in recent years.
2. Keep Your Hearing Aids Clean
Bacteria like to use hearing aids as a breeding ground.
While there’s normally 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 result of an ear infection. Some of these issues are short lived but permanent damage can also take place.
After each use, wipe your hearing aids down with a dry cloth because bacteria bread faster on moist surfaces. Never put your hearing aids in water. Disinfect them regularly with an alcohol-free wipe, being cautious not to get it too wet.
Clean them carefully once per week, including any custom mold pieces.
Regularly cleaning your hearing aids will help stop wax buildup on the earpiece.
3. Don’t Let Your Hearing Aids Get Wet
Getting wet is not something that most hearing aids are designed to do. Even high humidity can damage them. After cleaning, don’t keep them on the nightstand.
Hearing aids will accumulate dust which has bacteria if they are left lying on an exposed surface.
Keep your hearing aids in a cool, dry place as outlined by the manufacturer’s recommendations. Before you go into the shower or take a bath, be sure you take them out. Moisture is still present in the air when you shower, so don’t leave them on the bathroom counter when getting ready.
When it’s raining, bring an umbrella.
Your battery may die faster because it has to use 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 intense heat, like a blow dryer or sauna, because that can also do damage to them.
4. Keep The Battery Charged
Don’t get caught without a spare battery at your nephew’s concert.
Turn your hearing aids completely off before you go to sleep. Remove the batteries if you’re going to go for a long period without wearing your hearing aids. You’ll get more life from the battery this way, and you’ll avoid the risk of battery acid damaging the hearing aid’s fragile electronics.
You can significantly extend the life of your batteries with this guidance but always bring a spare battery, just in case.
5. Get a Hearing Professional to Clean Your Ears
A small amount of wax is pushed into your ear canal each time you insert your hearing aid. If you let this earwax build up, it might eventually cause voices to sound muffled. Schedule 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 process. A hearing professional should be the only person who performs this procedure.
6. Insert Your Hearing Aids Over a Soft Surface
Don’t risk dropping your hearing aids in the toilet or sink. Dropping and breaking your hearing aid becomes a substantial possibility in this situation. Over a bed, couch, or soft folded towel would be a suitable place to insert them.
7. If You’re Not Experiencing Improved Hearing, Contact a Specialist
You need to keep wearing your hearing aids even if you’re not currently having the best success. There are answers. Schedule an appointment for a consultation.