The five senses of sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch are quintessential for quality of life. If one of them doesn’t work, it can lead to various problems for a person. Arguably, the sense of sound is the most common problem among many people because of the possibility of hearing loss.
Hearing loss is a severe problem, and it doesn’t discriminate because anyone, regardless of age, can experience it. The good news is that this can be remedied by using a hearing aid that adjusts how sound is delivered to the ear. Since it’s a nifty gadget, it’s only fitting that it should be cared for properly. However, not many people know how to care for their or their loved one’s hearing aid beyond putting it back in the case when not in use.
For this reason, we’ve listed down some valuable tips to help you get started with hearing aid care. These include:
#1 – Store the Hearing Aid in a Dry Place
Putting a hearing aid in a case is only half the battle—the other part is storing it properly. The first thing to do is place the device safely in a dry and dust-free cabinet. Keeping it away from objects prone to collecting dust is also a good idea. This will help prevent any debris from damaging the device’s internal parts.
Furthermore, moisture can also damage the hearing aid. When moisture enters a hearing aid, the device will experience corrosion, rendering it useless. It would be wise to store the hearing aid in a dry place to prevent it.
#2 – Change the Hearing Aid’s Batteries Often
Another aspect of hearing aid care is ensuring the batteries are working correctly. Remember that the hearing aid is an electrical device, so you have to keep the batteries in check. This means having to change the batteries every so often.
How often should you change the batteries? According to hearing care specialists, you should do it every three to four months. This ensures that the hearing aid is in tip-top shape and can deliver quality sound. Also, don’t forget to check the expiration date of the batteries before using them. If it has expired, you should replace it with fresh ones.
#3 – Clean Earwax Off the Hearing Aid
Given that the hearing aid is a device that’s worn on the ear, you might want to know how to clean earwax off the hearing aid. Doing so will prevent it from getting sticky, making it easier to move it.
You can use a cotton bud to remove the earwax to do this. Afterward, you can clean any leftover wax off the hearing aid using a hearing aid cleaning spray. If you want it to be cleaner, you can use soapy water to ensure it’s free from earwax.
#4 – Schedule Routine Cleaning
Cleaning the earwax of a hearing aid is one thing, but routine cleaning is another. It’s best to schedule a regular checkup with the hearing specialist or audiologist, or you can do it yourself. This way, you’ll know if it needs cleaning, and you can take care of it right away.
When cleaning the device, you have to be gentle not to damage the internal parts. Also, don’t forget to use a damp cloth or cotton bud to wipe the device clean. Afterward, you can apply a cleaning spray to ensure there are no debris traces.
#5 – Change the Wax Filter
One of the most critical parts of a hearing aid is the wax filter. This ensures that the device can deliver clear sound by separating wax from the air passing through it. However, the filter will get clogged with earwax over time, rendering it useless. When this happens, you have to replace it with a new one.
#6 – Always Handle a Hearing Aid with Care
Above all else, caring for a hearing aid means treating it with care. Remember that it’s a delicate device, so you should never let it fall off your hands. Likewise, you should never poke or prod at it, especially when you don’t know how to handle it. Keep it where it won’t get damaged, and do everything possible to protect it.
Conclusion
Caring for a hearing aid is easy, but it’s also essential. Without proper maintenance, you might have a gadget that won’t work correctly. You should take care of it by doing the tips above. Remember that it’s an invaluable device that can help you or your loved one hear better, so be sure to take care of it well.
If you’re looking for hearing aids in Massachusetts, Hear More Associates can help you! Our hearing care professionals will develop comprehensive solutions to meet your hearing needs. We’ll also apply post-treatment care so that you’ll experience little to no problems. Reach out today to schedule a free hearing test!
