3 Essential Tips for Maintaining Your New Hearing Aid

Hearing is an important sense, but many people suffer from hearing loss. As a matter of fact, recent reports have shown an estimated 35 million Americans currently suffer from hearing loss and that number is expected to grow, according to Hear-it.

Treatments that may involve therapy, and surgery is an option if you are affected by a hearing problem. However, wearing a hearing aid can bean easier, more effective option in some cases. As with any type of aid, proper use and maintenance are essential. With this guide, you will learn a few tips for effectively maintaining your new hearing aid.

1. Perform Listening Checks
A listening check is usually conducted first thing in the morning - as soon as you place the hearing aid on. This simple check will determine whether your hearing aid is working well or not working at all.

To get started, turn the aid on and cup it with your hand. If feed back, which may include a whistling or buzzing sound is heard, the aid is working.

To determine if your aid is working well, place the aid in your ear and listen carefully, adjusting the volume if necessary. Make sure there are no breaks in sound and words/phrases are heard in a clear manner.

If you are unable to hear clearly, have your hearing aid evaluated as soon as possible.

2. Check/Replace the Batteries
The type and life span of batteries will depend on your specific hearing aid. Fortunately, knowing when and if your batteries need to be replaced is not difficult.

Even though some aids use rechargeable batteries, zinc-air button disposable batteries are the most common option. The exact lifes pan of these batteries will depend on the battery size, your hearing loss,and how long the hearing aid is worn/used.

If you wear your hearing aid for about 16 hours a day, you can expect the battery life to last 5 to 7 days.

If sounds are distorted and you are constantly having to turn the volume up on your hearing aid, it is most likely time to replace the batteries. Depending on your specific hearing aid, you may have a light indicating it is time to replace your batteries or an alarm that beeps when your battery power is running low.

3. Clean and Store Regularly
Cleaning your hearing aid is also important, but the techniques used will depend on the specific model you are using. Your hearing aid should come with a cleaning kit that contains all the tools you need for your specific aid.

All hearing aids have a microphone and speaker that should be inspected and cleaned daily. Use a brush to clean the microphone and speaker holes, and remove any dirt, dust, or other debris that may be trapped inside. For stubborn dirt and debris, consider using a wax pick to clean out the microphone and speaker ports.

Locate the hearing aid's vent, which is the opening that allows air to flow from one side of the aid to the other. A vent cleaner tool can be used to remove any dirt or dust from inside the vent.

In addition, the ear mold/dome should be cleaned if you are wearing a behind-the-ear or receiver-in-ear hearing aid. Use a specifically-formulated cleaning wipe or cloth with disinfectant spray.

Never use soap and water to clean your aids, since the soapy residue and excess moisture will cause damage. After cleaning, store the aid in its dehumidifier case.

Finally, make sure you schedule routine checks every six months with your hearing specialist. These routine visits will ensure your hearing aid is functioning properly, improving your hearing ability.

For more information on hearing loss or to schedule a consultation for a hearing aid, contact Accurate Hearing Technology today.