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?
That’s not something anybody wants! 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 in peak condition.
The following are 7 tips to help you correctly care for your hearing aids and keep them operating in peak condition.
1. Become Familiar With The Instruction Manual
Your hearing aids included an instruction manual explaining how to maintain them to experience the best results. Many technical challenges you might be having can be resolved by the trouble-shooting guides that are in these manuals.
If something isn’t functioning correctly, always check the manual first.
Any problems associated with the performance of your hearing aid should be covered in the manual. Modern hearing aids function differently than the older models so even if you’ve used hearing aids before this is important. Obviously, hearing aid technology has progressed considerably in recent years.
2. Keep Your Hearing Aids Clean
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 lead to an infection.
Further hearing problems can be the consequence of an ear infection. Some of these issues are short lived but permanent damage can also happen.
After every 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, utilize an alcohol-free wet wipe to disinfect and clean them.
Clean them thoroughly once a week, including any custom mold pieces.
Regularly 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. Even high humidity can cause damage. After cleaning, don’t leave them on the nightstand.
Hearing aids sitting on a surface in your home will collect dust that carries bacteria.
Keep your hearing aids in a cool, dry place as outlined by the manufacturer’s recommendations. Don’t forget 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.
Bring an umbrella with you if there’s rain in the forecast.
Your battery might die faster because it needs to make use of 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 blow dryer, sauna, or other intense heat.
4. Keep The Battery Charged
Don’t get caught without a spare battery at your nephew’s concert.
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. You’ll get more life from the battery this way, and you’ll avoid the chance of battery acid damaging the hearing aid’s delicate electronics.
The life of your battery can be substantially lengthened by adhering to these recommendations but it doesn’t hurt to bring a spare along, just in case.
5. Have Your Ears Professionally Cleaned
Anytime you’re inserting something into your ear, it will push a small amount of earwax inside the canal. If this earwax is allowed to build up, it might eventually cause voices to sound muted. Schedule an appointment for a cleaning with your hearing professional if your hearing seems dull and muted.
With the correct tools and know-how, it’s a simple procedure. It should only be done by a trained professional with the expertise to take care of and service your hearing aids.
6. When You’re Putting in Your Hearing Aids, do it Above a Soft Surface
Taking the risk of dropping your hearing aid into the toilet or sink is really not worth it. Dropping and damaging your hearing aid becomes a substantial possibility in this situation. Over a bed, couch, or soft folded towel would be a suitable place to insert them.
7. Talk to a Specialist if You Aren’t Experiencing Improved Hearing
You need to keep wearing your hearing aids even if you’re not currently having the best success. There are answers. Make an appointment for a consultation.