Looking after your hearing aid is of the utmost importance. It is a very delicate device and can you help us to live a fuller life. While hearing aids are getting smaller and easier to use, we have to ensure that we care for them properly. What are the key things to consider when looking after your hearing aids?
Keep the batteries healthy
Your hearing aid may have a silver-zinc battery or a lithium-ion battery. When you are not using your hearing aid, put the batteries in the charging station, even if it isn’t fully drained. Be sure to turn the hearing aids off at night and keep them in a safe place when not in use, but also make sure that you do not open the battery door.
Prevent earwax
This is the most common cause of hearing aid malfunctions. Earwax is a key function in the ear canal, but it can cause issues for our hearing aids because earwax can settle on the device. You have to clean the hearing aid every day to prevent any wax build-up. Only clean the hearing aids when the wax has dried up, as this is easier to remove. It would help if you also cleaned the hearing aid tubing regularly to prevent wax.
Minimizing exposure to water
Hearing aids and water, as a rule, don’t mix. If you intend on going swimming or heading near a large body of water, you must remove the hearing aid and store it safely. If you accidentally immerse your hearing aid in water, get in contact with a hearing health professional right away. It would be best if you also protected the hearing aids from moisture. Condensation can build up in the tubing, but you can remove this by using a tube blower to force the moisture out.
Caring for your hearing aid in your day-to-day life
Protecting your hearing aid and avoiding any potential for physical damage is common sense, but there are times when we aren’t looking after our hearing aid as best as we can. It’s important to make sure hearing aids out of the reach of pets or children. Dogs can be attracted to hearing aids due to the human scent on the device, as well as the high pitch frequency that is being emitted. When you are not using your hearing aid, turn it off and keep it out of reach.
Checking it works
It’s very important to do this every day. Every morning, switch the hearing aid on and check that it whistles. Cupping it in your hands will cause the hearing aids to whistle. If the hearing aid doesn’t whistle, check the earmold is not blocked with earwax or failing to change the battery.
Looking after your hearing aid is simple, and if you give it the care and attention it needs every day, it will provide you with support for years to come. If you ever find that your hearing aid isn’t working, despite looking after it properly, be sure to get in contact with a hearing health professional.
