Hearing Aid Care and Maintenance
Millions of Americans deal with some form of hearing loss on a daily basis. Hearing loss is a condition that affects both children and adults, and although it has been said that close to 27 million people could benefit from the use of a hearing aid, only about 20-30% of those who could benefit actually use them, according to the National Institutes of Health. The key to keeping a hearing aid working properly is proper care and maintenance - knowing how to clean and store the device while avoiding contact with dirt, grime and moisture. Although this device is small, is can be costly, thus requiring knowledge to properly maintain its function and condition. Millions of Americans still rely on these small devices to make a big difference in their life. These devices can provide many benefits to those who wear them such as improved relationships, increased learning, hearing new sounds, bonding with loved ones, hearing over the phone or in person, holding conversations even in noisy places and more confidence to leave the house.
Over the years, hearing devices have made some major advances. In fact, it has been noted that the first electronic hearing aid was produced in the early 1950s and over time, these devices have been designed to be smaller and more effective over time. Even the smallest one today can produce big results. In the beginning of their design, directional microphones were placed into the device to allow the wearer to focus on one-on-one communication and the ability to converse in noisy locations. Yet, as one may assume, these early models were not as beneficial as those today and manufacturers discontinued their production until about the 1990s where technology really took a turn for the better.
Today, hearing aid technology offers an array of possibilities, meeting the needs of all kinds of people. Some are more expensive or more complex than others, but these digital or electronic devices still require the help of a trained audiologist to choose the proper product and proper fitting. The cost of the device can start below $2000 and can exceed $5,000. Along with the proper installation comes proper care, which can help extend the life of the hearing aid and keep it working properly. They are an investment for certain.
As an investment, proper care makes your money go a long way. According to experts in the hearing health field, proper care is directed to the shell, the microphone and the receiver. Understanding how to store, clean and repair your hearing aid will keep it functioning as it was meant to and may prevent the need for repeated repairs over time. These three places need to be cleaned on any type of hearing aid device. First, when it comes to the shell, the surface of the hearing aid should be kept clean. In the ear aids will likely have wax build up where the shell bends. Behind the ear aids usually have debris from dirt or oil in the grooves. With a lack of care, either may find themselves not fitting properly or working properly. Water and chemical cleaners should be avoided on your hearing aid. A damp cloth or tissue should be carefully used to wipe the hearing aid down. Many kits also include a brush that can be useful for ear wax buildup. The microphone is extremely delicate and it is important to never poke the port. During cleaning, the microphone should always be facing the floor and the provided brush should be used. With the receiver, wax buildup is one of the most common reasons for hearing aid failure. Daily cleaning with the brush could prevent wax buildup in the receiver port.
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