What would you do if your hearing aids quit working at a time when you most needed them. Such as in the middle of a phone call?
That’s not something anyone wants! Your hearing aids are a significant investment in your hearing, happiness, and overall health. Keeping them working at maximum condition allows you to obtain the greatest possible benefits from them.
The following are 7 tips to help you properly care for your hearing aids and keep them performing at peak condition.
1. Read The Instructions
The best results will be accomplished when you make use of the manual that came with your hearing aids. Many technical challenges you might be experiencing can be sorted out by the trouble-shooting guides that are included with these manuals.
If something isn’t functioning correctly, always consult the manual first.
Any problems associated with the performance of your hearing aid should be covered in the manual. This is important even if you’ve had hearing aids before because your new devices might not function the same way. Obviously, hearing aid technology has progressed significantly in recent years.
2. Clean Your Hearing Aids
Hearing aids can provide a breeding ground for bacteria.
If you don’t clean and disinfect your hearing aids and wash your hands before you use them, an ear infection can be the result.
Additional hearing problems can be the result of an ear infection. Some of these issues are short lived but permanent damage can also occur.
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. Taking care not to get them too wet, utilize an alcohol-free wet wipe to clean and disinfect.
Once every week, clean the hearing aid and any custom mold pieces completely.
Regularly cleaning your hearing aids will help stop wax buildup on the earpiece.
3. Don’t Let Your Hearing Aids Get Wet
Most hearing aids are not designed to get wet. Even high humidity can damage them. Don’t keep them on the nightstand after cleaning.
Hearing aids will accumulate dust which contains bacteria if they are left lying on an open surface.
Adhere to the guidance of the manufacturer and store them in a cool dry place. 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 put them on the bathroom counter while getting ready.
When it rains, bring an umbrella.
Always keep your charger with you because your battery could drain faster if the air has moisture.
Heat can also damage hearing aids, so don’t expose them to a sauna, blow dryer, or other extreme heat.
4. Keep The Battery Charged
Don’t get caught without a backup battery at your nephew’s piano recital.
Turn your hearing aids completely off before you go to sleep. Take out the batteries if you are going to go for a long time period without using your hearing aids. If you let your hearing aids sit for long time periods with the battery in them, the life of the battery can be decreased and their sensitive electronics can be damaged by battery acid.
You can significantly prolong the life of your batteries with this guidance but always bring a spare battery, just in case.
5. Have Your Ears Professionally Cleaned
Anytime you’re putting something in your ear, it will push a small amount of earwax inside the canal. If you let this earwax build up, it may eventually cause voices to sound muted. If your hearing experience doesn’t seem right, schedule an appointment with a hearing professional to check for excess earwax buildup.
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 take care of and service your hearing aids.
6. Insert Your Hearing Aids Above a Soft Surface
Taking the risk of dropping your hearing aid into the toilet or sink is really not worth it. This can definitely result in dropping the hearing aid and damaging it. Always put in your devices over a soft surface such as a bed, sofa, or a folded towel placed on a table or counter.
7. Talk to a Specialist if You Aren’t Experiencing Improved Hearing
If you aren’t having the best experience with your hearing aids, don’t discontinue wearing them. There are solutions. Schedule an appointment to come see us for a hearing test.