Health Upp Tips for Caring for Your Hearing Aids – For many hearing-impaired individuals, hearing aids are essential tools that can significantly enhance their quality of life. Since these high-tech devices cost a considerable amount, you must take good care of them to ensure they function optimally. Here are five best practices that can help preserve the quality of your hearing aids.
Clean your hearing aids regularly
The buildup of earwax, sweat, body oils, dirt, and other harmful substances can cause your hearing aids to malfunction, so you must routinely clean them. Wash and dry your hands before touching the device to avoid contamination. Use a dry and soft cloth when cleaning, and avoid using alcohol wipes and other cleaning chemicals as they can damage your hearing aids. Hearing aids typically come with a special brush that you can use to clean difficult-to-clean areas. Aside from cleaning them regularly, have your hearing aids cleaned and serviced by professionals such as HearCanada.
Store in a safe place
Since hearing aids are highly sensitive to heat, dust, and humidity, you need to keep them in a cool and dry place when not in use. Even if most hearing aids are water-resistant, make sure they do not come in contact with water. If your hearing aids get wet, use a clean towel, and never use a heated or electromechanical device to dry them off. Keep your hearing aids away from pets and children, and avoid placing them in high-traffic areas in your home. Consider storing them in a specialized drying box, especially if you reside in a highly humid environment.
Take extra care of the batteries
The condition of your hearing aids’ batteries can significantly influence your hearing aids’ performance. When not using your hearing aids, open the battery door or remove the batteries to release moisture trapped in the battery compartment. Replace the batteries as directed by your doctor, and make sure you have extras in case of emergencies. Remember to use the correct battery, as using the wrong one might reduce your hearing aids’ efficiency.
Change the wax filter
Hearing aids usually have preventive mechanisms such as wax guards and filters designed to trap dust, ear wax, and other detrimental elements. Aside from regularly removing earwax from your hearing aids, you should change the wax guard or filter frequently. Follow the brand’s instructions when replacing the wax filter, or bring them to a professional if you’re unsure of how to proceed.
Handle your hearing aids gently
No matter how durable or expensive your hearing aids are, you must always handle them with care. Avoid dropping, throwing, or squeezing them, and always hold your hearing aids gently. Never leave them in unsecured places and place them on a soft surface when cleaning or changing batteries. Be mindful of your cosmetics as they can potentially damage your hearing aids. Wear your hearing aids after applying your makeup or spraying hairspray to prevent the products from entering the device.
Caring for your hearing aids need not be difficult. Remember to follow these tips and have your hearing aids checked by a professional right away should you experience any issues, regardless of minor they are.