If you work with a hearing aid professional to get your hearing device fitted, then you should end up with technology that greatly enhances your quality of life. When you first get your hearing aid, you’ll find that it works exactly as it should. And you’ll want to ensure that they remain working at the highest level possible. In this article, we’re going to run through some tried and tested tips for keeping your hearing aids working at their optimal level.
Be Gentle
Your hearing aids are advanced technology, but they’re not indestructible. Even if they look resilient, there’s only so much pressure that they can be put under! It’s a good idea to treat your hearing aid in much the same way as you would your smartphone. That is to say, with respect and gentleness. If you fling your hearing aid around once, then it’s unlikely that anything bad will happen. However, if you do it again and again, then it’ll be no wonder if they become damaged! It’s sometimes possible to repair hearing aids, but if the damage is too extensive, then you may need to replace them entirely.
Turn Them Off
There’s an upper limit to how long any technology can last. The way to measure how long they last aren’t in years but in hours of use. Your hearing aids will have many years of use, but you can extend the life even further by turning them off when they’re not in use. You’ll help to make the batteries last longer by taking this approach, too. When you’re not using your hearing aid, take them out, switch them off and put them in a protective case. It’s also a good idea to think about where you’re storing your hearing aids. If they’re an easy to reach place, then they could be destroyed by curious children!
Avoid Water Immersion
As with most technology, you’ll want to keep your hearing aid out of contact with water. There are many hearing aids that are water-resistant, but that’s a lot different from being waterproof. So, this, of course, means that you should remove your hearing aid before stepping into a shower or diving into a pool.
If you do get some water on your device, then be sure to pat it dry with a towel. It’s also recommended to avoid areas that are not obviously water, but which are highly humid. Taking your hearing aid into a steam room could cause as much damage as taking it into a shower. Also, be mindful of where you’re storing your hearing aid. A humid room might not have an immediate negative impact on the device, but over time it could cause damage.
Replace the Batteries
Your hearing aid will need energy to run. And that’ll come from your hearing aid batteries. As the batteries reach the end of their life, you’ll notice that the power begins to dip. The hearing aid might not work quite as effectively as it used to. This is no cause for concern – it just means that it’s time to change the batteries. It’s a good idea to have a decent supply of batteries in your home, so you can always change them out when necessary. When you’re getting your hearing aid fitted, your hearing aid professional will show you how to change the batteries.
Clean Them Regularly
To ensure the full functionality of your hearing aid device, it’s important to keep your ears clean. A buildup of wax can impair the device. Of course, a little bit of wax is good for your ears, so there’s no need to go over the top when cleaning. However, earwax is not so good for hearing aids. To prevent a buildup of earwax on your device, it’s a good idea to clean them at the end of each day. Remember not to use water though! And as always, be gentle.
Appointments with a Hearing Health Professional
If you feel that, for whatever reason, your hearing aid isn’t working as well as it should be, then look at making an appointment with a hearing health professional. They’ll be able to ensure that your device is working exactly as it should; if it’s not, then they can make some changes to get things moving in the right direction again.
If you need some help with your hearing aid device, then be sure to get in touch with us here at Hear Again America. We provide leading hearing healthcare for people across the country. Contact us today at 877-905-9493.