If you are hearing aids user or caring for one, you know the importance of properly caring for your device to ensure it lasts as long as possible. Caring for your aids will not only save you money but is an investment in your health as functional aids will enhance your hearing.
With all the different components that make up a hearing aid, understanding how to maintain these devices adequately can seem intimidating. Here are several lightweight tips you can easily use daily to keep your aid working perfectly and help extend of your hearing aids. If you’re experiencing persistent tinnitus, you might want to consider tinnitus treatment Santa Monica.
Keep Them Dry:
Hearing aids are delicate and vulnerable to moisture, which can corrode sensitive components and leave you without the auditory enhancement you need. Take precautions such as removing your hearing aid before taking a shower or swimming to protect hearing aids from water damage. Consider using protective cases when not wearing them to guard against dust and other environmental elements that could reduce the effectiveness of your hearing aid.
Replace Old Parts:
Given how frequently hearing aids are used and how costly they are, it is important to replace old parts to maximize their effectiveness. These include receivers, microphones, and wax guards. By replacing old parts, you can guarantee that your hearing aids remain durable, reliable, and comfortable.
Regular Service:
Regular service for your hearing aid is necessary if you want to ensure that they last as long as possible. Servicing can help you catch small faults before they become bigger, making it easier to have them fixed than having to replace the aid due to significant problems. Visit a professional audiologist regularly to check that everything is working fine and fix what isn’t. They may also advise you on keeping them clean and functional.
Clean Them Daily:
Regular cleaning will reduce the accumulation of dirt and wax, which can clog the devices or cause feedback and buzzing. Grime and buildup can also harbor bacteria and other microbes, causing infection.
In particular, make sure you use a soft-bristled brush to dislodge any earwax from the receiver area, followed by a cloth dampened with mild soap and warm water to remove dirt from the casing. While cleaning, keep your hearing aids away from moisture when not in use, so they don’t become damaged by water. Consider getting your hearing aid cleaned by a professional occasionally to ensure it’s well done.
Extend Battery Life:
Most hearing aids have batteries that require frequent replacement, which can become costly over time. With a few simple tips, you can help extend the life of your battery and get the most out of each one.
Always avoid exposing your battery to extreme temperatures, and ensure you firmly turn off the power switch before removing or inserting the battery from their compartment in the hearing aids. Keep the battery and compartment clean and dry; ask your audiologist for guidance on approved cleaning products that won’t damage either component.
Store Them Correctly:
To properly care for your hearing aids, you must store them correctly when not in use. You should ensure that you put the hearing aids in a safe spot and away from small children or animals. Additionally, store your hearing aids away from moisture and extreme temperatures, which can cause damage over time.
Hearing loss is a major health concern affecting billions of people globally. Fortunately, tools like hearing aids can significantly improve hearing. With proper care and maintenance, hearing aids can last up to seven years.
Some helpful tips for extending the lifespan of your hearing aids include storing them safely at the right temperatures, keeping them away from moisture, replacing old parts, and servicing them regularly.
Remember to work with professionals to ensure you’re getting the most out of your aids and that any issues are resolved before getting out of hand.
