What would you do if your hearing aids quit working at a time when you needed them most. Such as when you’re in an important meeting.
That’s not something anybody wants! 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 working in peak condition.
You can properly care for your hearing aids and keep them functioning in top condition by implementing these 7 tips.
1. Become Familiar With The Instruction Manual
Your hearing aids included an instruction manual outlining how to take care of them to get the best results. Many technical difficulties you may be experiencing can be sorted out by the trouble-shooting guides that are included with these manuals.
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 significantly in recent years.
2. Clean Your Hearing Aids
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 thoroughly clean the hearing aids, it can cause 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 happen.
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 clean and disinfect.
Once each week, clean the hearing aid and any custom mold pieces thoroughly.
Routinely cleaning your hearing aids will help prevent wax buildup on the earpiece.
3. Don’t Let Your Hearing Aids Get Wet
Getting wet is not something that most hearing aids are made to do. They can even be damaged by high humidity. After cleaning, don’t put them on the nightstand.
Hearing aids will gather dust which contains bacteria if they are left lying on an open surface.
Follow the guidance of the manufacturer and keep them in a cool dry place. Remember to take them out before you bathe or shower. Moisture is still present in the air when you shower, so don’t put them on the bathroom counter while getting ready.
Bring an umbrella with you if it’s raining.
Always bring your charger with you because your battery may drain faster if there’s moisture in the air.
Don’t allow your hearing aid to be exposed to intense heat, such as a blow dryer or sauna, as that can also damage them.
4. Avoid Draining The Battery
Keep your battery charged and bring a backup when you go to a significant event.
Turn your hearing aids completely off before you go to bed. If you plan on not wearing them for a prolonged duration, always remove the battery. You’ll get more life out of the battery this way, and you’ll avoid the chance of battery acid damaging the hearing aid’s sensitive electronics.
You can substantially extend the life of your batteries with this advice 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 put your hearing aid in. If you let this earwax build up, it might eventually cause voices to sound muted. If your hearing experience doesn’t seem right, schedule an appointment with a hearing professional to check for abnormal earwax buildup.
The removal process is simple with the correct tools. An expert in hearing should be the only individual who performs this procedure.
6. When You’re Inserting Your Hearing Aids, do it Above a Soft Surface
Don’t risk 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 like a bed, sofa, or a folded towel placed on a table or counter.
7. Talk to a Specialist if You’re Not Experiencing Improved Hearing
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.