10 Tips to a Longer Lasting Hearing Aid
If you have experienced hearing loss, then you know how beneficial hearing aids are to your hearing care with their ever-improving technology and features. But you also know how frustrating it can be when you hear that little beep that indicates you are running low on battery power only a few days after changing them. Much of the life span of hearing aids depends on the use and care of the wearer. So you may wonder how you can make your hearing aid last longer.
Here Are 10 Simple Tips To Extend the Life of Your Hearing Aid:
1. Use your oldest pack of batteries first.
New hearing aid batteries can have a shelf life of several years, but the amount of power gradually declines the longer they are stored. By using your oldest batteries first, you can be sure that your spare batteries will not get too old.
2. Check the expiration date.
You should ideally buy batteries with an expiration date at least a year from your purchase to be sure that they will experience the least amount of drain over time.
3. Wash your hands before touching the batteries.
Washing your hands ensures that you won’t damage your hearing aid or clog up the air pores of the batteries with grease and dirt.
4. Avoid removing the plastic tab from the batteries until use.
Hearing aid batteries are filled with zinc that is activated when it comes in contact with air, so leaving the plastic tab on until right before use will prevent early battery drainage.
5. Wait at least five minutes before inserting your batteries.
If you give your batteries at least five minutes to “breathe” to make sure the air reaches all the materials inside and activates them fully, you can extend your battery life by up to three days.
6. Store the batteries in a dry place at room temperature.
Storing your batteries in a moist area will cause corrosion and can drain the life of the battery quickly. Simply store your batteries in a cool, dry place at room temperature to eliminate all potential for these problems.
7. Open the battery compartment door when the hearing aid is not in use.
Turning off your hearing aid and leaving the battery door open when not in use helps moisture to escape the compartment, minimizing the risk for corrosion and drain on the battery.
8. Remove the batteries during periods of extended non-use.
If you know that you won’t be wearing your hearing aids for a long time, then turn them off and remove the batteries to reduce the amount of drain on the battery and prevent corrosion from trapped moisture.
9. Get a hearing aid dehumidifier.
A dehumidifier provides safe storage for your hearing aids, increases battery efficiency, and prevents moisture from damaging the batteries.
10. Invest in rechargeable hearing aids.
With advances in technology, hearing aids are coming out that allow you to recharge them at night and use them all day, getting rid of the chance for untimely battery surprises. Consult with your hearing professional at Beltone Dallas Fort Worth to see if they are a good match for you.
If you are experiencing hearing loss and are interested in finding out more about devices and methods for your hearing care, contact our hearing center at (866) 530-9145 for additional information today.