What would you do if your hearing aids quit working at a time when you needed them most. Such as in the middle of a phone call?
Nobody wants that to occur! It’s important to invest in hearing aids for your hearing, your happiness, and your overall health. You will get the greatest possible benefit from your hearing aids if you keep them functioning at maximum condition.
You can correctly care for your hearing aids and keep them working in peak condition by following these 7 tips.
1. Get to Know The Instruction Manual
Your hearing aids included an instruction manual describing how to maintain them so that you can get the best results. Many technical problems you may be experiencing can be solved by the trouble-shooting guides that are in these manuals.
Always go to the manual first if something isn’t working correctly.
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 may not work the same way. After all, there have been lots of changes in hearing aid technology in the past few years.
2. Clean Your Hearing Aids
Bacteria often 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 thoroughly clean the hearing aids, it can lead to an infection.
Ear infections can trigger additional hearing problems. Some of these issues are short lived but permanent damage can also take place.
After every use, wipe your hearing aids down with a dry cloth because bacteria bread more quickly on moist surfaces. Water can damage your hearing aid so keep them out of water. Disinfect them frequently with an alcohol-free wipe, being careful not to get it too wet.
Clean them thoroughly once per week, including any custom mold pieces.
Regularly cleaning your hearing aids will help prevent 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. Even high humidity can damage them. After cleaning, don’t put them on the nightstand.
Hearing aids will collect dust which has bacteria if they are left lying on an open surface.
Adhere to the recommendations of the manufacturer and store them in a cool dry place. Don’t forget to take them out before you shower or take a bath. Moisture is still present in the air when you shower, so don’t leave them on the bathroom counter when getting ready.
Bring an umbrella with you if there’s rain in the forecast.
Your battery might die faster because it needs 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. Avoid Draining The Battery
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 are going to go for a long time period without using your hearing aids. 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 decreased and their delicate electronics can be harmed by battery acid.
The life of your battery can be substantially lengthened 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
Anytime you’re inserting something in your ear, it will push a little bit of earwax into the canal. Voices will eventually start to sound distorted as this earwax accumulates. Make an appointment for a cleaning with your hearing professional if your hearing seems dull and muted.
The removal process is simple with the right tools. An expert in hearing should be the only person who conducts this procedure.
6. Put in Your Hearing Aids Over a Soft Surface
Don’t chance dropping your hearing aids in the toilet or sink. Dropping and breaking your hearing aid becomes a real possibility in this situation. Always insert your devices over a soft surface such as a bed, sofa, or a folded towel placed on the kitchen table.
7. If You’re Not Experiencing Improved Hearing, Consult a Specialist
If you aren’t having the best experience with your hearing aids, don’t discontinue wearing them. Your situation can be enhanced. Schedule an appointment to come see us.