Hearing Aid Maintenance
Have you ever compared the price of a cheap pair of shoes to an expensive pair? While the expensive pair is more of an upfront cost ($200 now compared to only $29), with proper maintenance, like getting the shoes resoled, they can last a lifetime. A cheap pair on the other hand, while less expensive on the front end, will need to be replaced with a new $29 pair after they wear out in a few months. If you are willing to put in the simple upkeep required from a luxury item, you will end up with a better product for a fraction of the cost.
This same principle can be applied to hearing aids. Purchasing a high-quality hearing aid comes with a list of daily maintenance the hearing aid requires in order to work well.
If you follow the directions given to you by your Houston audiologist, your device can last for years. If this is too much of a hassle you can opt for purchasing a lower tier hearing aid and replacing it every few months when it stops working. While the choice seems simple, let me lay out exactly how simple these daily tasks actually are.
Tips for Maintaining Your Hearing Aids
The first thing you must do is clean your hearing aid. This is typically done when you take out your hearing aids before going to bed. To remove any buildup of earwax, dirt or grime you should use a soft, dry cloth on the hearing aid itself and a mild soap solution can be used to clean the earmold (the part that goes into the ear canal). Make sure the earmold is completely dry before you reattach it to the device.
Next, you must remove the moisture. Your hearing aid spends most of its life inside your ear; just imagine how much moisture becomes trapped inside. A hearing aid drying container or a dehumidifier can be used to remove the excess moisture that has collected inside the device. Don’t forget to take out the battery before you place it in the container overnight.
The final step, which is completed before you put your hearing aid in your ear every morning is to check the batteries. The batteries used in hearing aids are not the standard mercury batteries you are probably used to. Instead of slowly draining over time, the zinc batteries can go from full power to dead in an instant. Using a battery tester will tell you how much power your batteries have left, so you can feel confident knowing your hearing aids will make it through the day. Just to be safe, keep extra batteries with you at all times.
Would you be willing to perform these daily tasks if they meant you could afford a higher quality product that would last a longer period of time? Most people in Houston, Texas say yes. For more tips and tricks for getting the most out of your hearing aids, contact your local Houston audiologist.
