subject: How To Use And Care For Your Hearing Aid [print this page] Your hearing aid is an extension of your physical ear. It helps to amplify and in many ways complete the auditory process for your natural ear. Like your natural ear, the parts must be maintained from the inside and the whole device must be kept clean from the outside. Like the natural ear, it has to be protected from damage, dirt, and the effects of excess moisture so that it can function optimally.
There are three great reasons to maintain your hearing aid each day. Number one, daily cleaning and regular professional maintenance help to keep your device(s) clean; number two, it will allow it to continue working at optimum level; and, number three, it prevents hygiene issues that can lead to an infection of your ear or breakdown of the device's function.
First, keeping your hearing aid clean includes use of the small brush or soft cloth that was provided to you upon receipt of your specialized device. Then you can use a cotton swab to clear the battery contacts. And you will want to change the filters regularly as well. Missing hygiene upkeep can lead to an increase of earwax production, which can interfere with interpretation of sound to the middle ear. As mentioned earlier, a neglected device and/or ear canal can lead to an ear infection that can interfere with one's ability to wear the device or interpret its function adequately.
Second, in addition to hygiene, device maintenance must include handling it with care. When it isn't going to be in use for long periods of time, you can conserve power by turning off your device or removing the battery. When it is not in your ear, keep it in a safe, dry, temperature-controlled space. And frequently change the batteries so that you can always count on it when you need it.
Lastly, another component of daily care is prevention of damage that will seize up its processes. Moisture is a significant enemy of your hearing aid. Therefore, showers, bathing, cleaning the ears with water, going for a swim or spraying the face with bug spray or sun block or your hair with hair sprays can have a corrosive effect on the device as well. So in the end, caring for your hearing aid should be like taking care of another ear, except this one requires your best attention to detail on a daily basis, or look forward to replacing it frequently through the years.
