What would you do if your hearing aids quit working at a time when you most needed them. 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.
You can correctly care for your hearing aids and keep them functioning in peak condition by following these 7 tips.
1. Understand The Instructions
Your hearing aids included an instruction manual outlining how to take care of them so that you can get the best results. Many technical challenges you might be experiencing can be resolved by the trouble-shooting guides that are included with these manuals.
If something isn’t working properly, always check the manual first.
Any problems involving the performance of your hearing aid should be covered in the manual. Newer hearing aids work differently than the older models so even if you’ve used hearing aids before this is important. Obviously, hearing aid technology has advanced considerably in recent years.
2. Clean Your Hearing Aids
Hearing aids can provide a breeding ground for bacteria.
While there’s normally some harmless bacteria on your skin, if you don’t wash your hands or thoroughly clean the hearing aids, it can lead to an infection.
Ear infections can trigger additional hearing issues. Some of these problems are short lived but permanent damage can also take place.
Bacteria prefer damp surfaces, so clean each hearing aid with a dry cloth before and after each use. You should never put your hearing aids in water. Disinfect them often with an alcohol-free wipe, being mindful not to get it too wet.
Clean them thoroughly once a week, including any custom mold pieces.
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 designed to do. They can even be damaged by high humidity. Don’t keep them on the nightstand after cleaning.
Hearing aids lying on a surface in your home will collect dust that contains bacteria.
Stay within the recommendations of the manufacturer and store them in a cool dry place. Remember to take them out before you shower or take a bath. Leave your hearing aids in another room when you shower because there will be moisture in the air.
When it’s raining, bring an umbrella.
Your battery might die faster because it has to use more energy in a moist environment, so you should always carry 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. Avoid Draining The Battery
Keep your battery charged and take a backup when you attend a significant event.
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 duration, always take out the battery. If you let your hearing aids sit for long periods of time with the battery in them, the life of the battery can be decreased and their sensitive electronics can be harmed by battery acid.
The life of your battery can be significantly extended by following these recommendations but it doesn’t hurt to bring a spare along, 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. If this earwax is allowed to build up, it may eventually cause voices to sound muted. Make an appointment for a cleaning with your hearing specialist if your hearing seems dull and muted.
With the right tools and know-how, it’s a simple process. It should only be performed by a trained professional with the expertise to service and care for your hearing aids.
6. Put in Your Hearing Aids Above a Soft Surface
Taking the chance of dropping your hearing aid into the sink or toilet is really not worth it. This can easily result in dropping the hearing aid and breaking it. Over a couch, bed, or soft folded towel would be a suitable place to insert them.
7. If You Aren’t Experiencing Improved Hearing, Contact a Specialist
If you aren’t having the best experience with your hearing aids, don’t discontinue wearing them. Your situation can be improved. Make an appointment to come see us.
