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.
No one wants that to occur! 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 functioning at maximum condition.
You can correctly take care of your hearing aids and keep them functioning in top condition by implementing these 7 tips.
1. Read The Instructions
The most beneficial results will be achieved when you use the manual that was included with your hearing aids. These manuals normally come with troubleshooting guides that will help you solve many technical challenges.
Always go to the manual first if something isn’t working properly.
The manual should cover any issues related to the performance of your hearing aids. Modern 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 progressed substantially in recent years.
2. Keep Your Hearing Aids Clean
Hearing aids can be 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 result in an infection.
Ear infections can cause further hearing issues. Most go away quickly, but some can cause permanent damage.
After each use, wipe your hearing aids down with a dry cloth because bacteria bread faster on moist surfaces. Water can ruin your hearing aid so keep them out of water. Taking care not to get them too wet, use an alcohol-free wet wipe to disinfect and clean them.
Clean them thoroughly once every week, including any custom mold pieces.
Regularly cleaning your hearing aids will help stop wax buildup on the earpiece.
3. Keep Your Hearing Aids Dry
Getting wet is not something that most hearing aids are made to do. Even high humidity can cause damage. After cleaning, don’t keep them on the nightstand.
Hearing aids resting on a surface in your home will accumulate dust that carries bacteria.
Store 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, 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 rains, carry an umbrella.
Always keep your charger with you because your battery could drain faster if the air has moisture.
Don’t allow your hearing aid to be exposed to extreme heat, such as a blow dryer or sauna, as that can also damage them.
4. Keep The Battery Charged
Don’t get caught without a backup battery at your child’s concert.
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 period of time, always remove the battery. If you allow your hearing aids to sit for long time periods with the battery in them, the life of the battery can be diminished and their delicate electronics can be harmed by battery acid.
The life of your battery can be significantly prolonged by adhering to these recommendations but it doesn’t hurt to bring a spare along, just in case.
5. Have Your Ears Professionally Cleaned
A small amount of wax is pushed into your ear canal every time you put your hearing aid in. If you let this earwax build up, it may eventually cause voices to sound muted. If your hearing experience doesn’t seem right, make an appointment with a hearing specialist to check for excessive earwax accumulation.
The removal process is simple with the correct tools. It should only be conducted by a trained professional with the expertise to take care of and service your hearing aids.
6. When You’re Inserting Your Hearing Aids, do it Above a Soft Surface
Taking the risk of dropping your hearing aid into the sink or toilet is really not worth it. This can definitely result in dropping the hearing aid and breaking it. Over a bed, couch, or soft folded towel would be a suitable place to insert them.
7. If You’re Not Experiencing Improved Hearing, Talk To a Specialist
If you’re not having the best experience with your hearing aids, don’t stop wearing them. There are answers. Schedule an appointment to come see us for a hearing test.