Hearing loss is inconveniencing, saying the least. This is why hearing aids are invaluable, and you should take the best possible care of them if you want to keep hearing the world buzz. These gadgets are incredibly delicate, and maintenance requires an informed approach.
Here are five maintenance tips to keep your hearing aids working optimally for as long as possible:
1. Be Gentle When Handling Your Hearing Aids
Your hearing aids should be in the best possible hands at all times. Every type of contact should be gentle and calculated.
For starters, wash your hands before touching the hearing aids, as small particles can block the tiny microphone. Additionally, be gentle when holding the aids to avoid breaking or dropping them. More importantly, ensure that you store them in a safe and dry place away from the reach of children and pets.
2. Avoid Exposure to Moisture
Hearing aids may be small, but they pack sophisticated electrical components under the shiny cover. These electronic components are small and sensitive, and like all electronics, they will short-circuit when exposed to moisture.
As such, keep your hearing aids away from moisture at all costs. Take them off before bathing, swimming, or coming into contact with water. Additionally, keep them covered when in a highly humid environment – it is also advisable to get a hearing aid dehumidifier when storing your hearing aids in a humid environment.
Your hearing aids may be exposed to moisture at some point despite your best efforts. It is okay to be worried, but never use any heated device (such as a hairdryer) to dry them as the heat can damage the delicate circuitry. Instead, polish them gently with a soft towel and rush them to a professional for drying and repair. Fortunately, technology is giving rise to highly durable hearing aids, so choose the right hearing aid and make it one with a water-resistant design.
3. Avoid Wax Buildup
Ears are always producing wax to protect against bacteria and other foreign elements. However, the wax is not good for hearing aids, and it is one of the leading causes of damages. Wax clogs the microphone, and it can seep through and get to the delicate electrical components in the main chamber.
However, this is only a concern if wax builds up inside your ears. As such, clean your ears regularly and get rid of any extra ear wax. Additionally, keep your ears dry before wearing the hearing aid, and wipe them clean after taking them off to get rid of any foreign elements.
Contact with wax is unavoidable, which is why hearing aids come fitted with a wax filter. The filter blocks the wax from seeping into the main chamber where the electrical components are stored. However, it gets clogged, too, and it should be replaced every time the wax buildup becomes too much to clean.
4. Change the Batteries Regularly
Batteries are necessary for operating the hearing aids, but they can damage the devices if left in place for prolonged periods. They react with trapped moisture to corrode the battery contacts, and this can damage the delicate electronics in the main chamber.
As such, it is advisable to remove the batteries whenever you are not using the hearing aids for prolonged periods, such as when you are going to sleep. It is also recommendable to remove the battery cover regularly to let any trapped moisture escape. The batteries should also be replaced regularly (especially when they show signs of corrosion), even when they are not depleted.
Corrosion will occur at some point, regardless of how often you change the batteries. As such, it is advisable to clean the battery contacts regularly using a dry cotton swab.
5. Schedule Routine Checkups
Hearing aids can break down gradually, one element at a time. As such, it is advisable to schedule regular checkups with a professional audiologist.
The audiologist will inspect your hearing aids for any damages. They will also clean the hearing aids thoroughly, getting rid of dirt particles that escape your regular cleanings at home. More importantly, the radiologist will perform any repairs to keep your hearing aids working as good as new for as long as possible.
Stay in Tune with the World
Hearing is precious, and it is important to protect your hearing aid from anything that would cut you off from the sounds around you. As such, put these tips into practice, and always consult a professional audiologist whenever your hearing aids develop any kind of problem. It is also prudent to always have an extra pair of hearing aids!