Maximizing the Benefits of Your Hearing Devices: Tips for Long-term Satisfaction
Your hearing devices are among the most technologically advanced devices you own, and they can greatly enhance your quality of life. However, technology alone cannot guarantee long-term satisfaction. To get the most out of your hearing devices, it is important to follow these hearing health and maintenance guidelines.
Maintaining Your Hearing Health
Regular hearing tests are essential to monitor your hearing health and ensure your devices are performing optimally. We recommend scheduling an audiogram every two years to compare your results with older ones and determine if your hearing loss has worsened. If it has, your hearing devices can be reprogrammed to compensate for the additional loss.
To allow your brain time to adjust and relearn sounds you may have been missing, wear your hearing devices daily. And don’t miss a regularly scheduled checkup – we need your consistent feedback to keep your hearing devices performing as they should and to clean or replace plastic tubing as needed.
Finally, don’t wear someone else’s hearing devices – they have not been programmed for your specific listening lifestyle.
Taking Care of Your Hearing Devices
To keep your hearing devices working properly and extend their lifespan, it’s important to take good care of them. Here are some tips:
- Clean your earmolds daily with an FDA-approved antimicrobial cleaning wipe to remove earwax buildup.
- Remove your hearing devices before showering or swimming, as they should not be submerged in water.
- Avoid exposing your hearing devices to hair spray, x-rays, or other sources of radiation.
- Do not try to repair your own hearing device, and do not use alcohol or cleaning fluid on any parts.
- Regularly check the plastic tubing on your hearing device and remove any debris per the instructions provided by your audiologist.
Battery Care
Proper battery care is essential to ensure your hearing devices function properly and last as long as possible. Here are some tips:
- Replace batteries routinely, as the average battery life is 7-10 days and varies depending on the type of device and how long it is worn each day.
- Memorize the battery size and tab color of the package your batteries come in for easy identification.
- Turn off your hearing devices at bedtime and keep the battery compartment door open to allow any moisture to evaporate.
- Store batteries at room temperature and avoid carrying loose batteries in your pocket or purse.
- When newly purchased, hearing device batteries are sealed with a tab to ensure freshness. Do not remove this tab until you are ready to use the battery. Once the tab is removed, allow the battery to charge for 30-60 seconds prior to placing it into the hearing device.
Better Hearing for Life
Following these hearing health and maintenance guidelines can help you get the most out of your hearing devices and enjoy better hearing for life. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact Havmeen Hearing Lab for expert advice and support.