For people with hearing loss, using an ear machine is a great way to lead a quality life even after a medical condition.
Even if the hearing loss is incurable. Ear machines, also known as hearing aids, enable the person to hear, communicate and function normally every day.
Hence, it is important to ensure proper maintenance to avoid general wear and tear. Taking care of hearing devices is almost like caring for your health.
In this article, we will suggest expert-recommended tips for the easy maintenance and care of your ear machine.
But first, let’s explore in brief what ear machines are.
What is an Ear Machine?
An ear machine, also known as a hearing aid, is a battery-powered electronic device worn inside or behind your ear to make sound clearer and audible to a person with hearing loss or a hearing disability.
It helps people with hearing loss listen, communicate, and participate better in daily activities. Hearing aids can help people enhance their quality of life, allowing them to live normally with their hearing capacity safe and sound.
Modern ear machine
Currently, ear machines have developed in terms of design and technology. The comfort of regular use, excellent reception to sound and longevity are some of the defining characteristics of modern hearing aids.
For example, you can choose from several smart hearing aids, including In-the-canal (ITC) hearing aids, RIC hearing aids, invisible hearing aids, Bluetooth hearing aids and many more.
Does an Ear Machine Need Maintenance?
Ear machines generally don’t require extensive maintenance. However, a good care regime and regular service are important to ensure their longevity. It also prevents breakdowns and avoids the need for unnecessary repairs.
Moreover, proper ear machine maintenance helps maintain good hygiene and sustains optimal hearing conditions.
However, one must also understand that, like any other device, a hearing aid might not last forever. Usually, a good ear machine’s lifespan ranges between 5 to 7 years. Experts recommend a hearing aid upgrade every 4-5 years would help you to avail of the best technology.
How to Care for Ear Machines: 6 Maintenance Tips
Maintenance of ear machines needs regular but simple intervention, which in turn enables maintaining hygiene and its lifespan.
Some tips for maintaining an ear machine are listed below:
a. Protect your ear machine from moisture
Put the instruments in a dehumidifying kit provided by the manufacturer. The silica gels in the kit help absorb any moisture (sweat, humidity, drops of water) that might have gotten into the electronics.
If possible, purchase an electronic dry kit which works much more efficiently in removing the moisture.
b. Protect from dust
Wipe your hearing instruments with a dry, soft cloth.
c. Routine servicing
Send your hearing instruments routinely to the service centre for servicing and routine upkeep.
2. Switch off when inactive
When not in use, try to switch off the hearing aid and remove the batteries immediately.
3. Remove ear wax buildup
Make sure to remove the ear wax from the hearing aid to maintain its proper functioning, as a build-up wax may lead to malfunctioning or permanent damage to the hearing aid.
4. Changing habits
Develop specific disciplines while handling the hearing aids. Like washing your hands well before cleaning your hearing aids and avoiding wearing hearing aids while you are in the shower or washing your face.
5. Regular consultation
Pay regular visits to the doctor to get your ear canals cleaned. Avoid doing it on your own, as it may damage your ear.
6. Follow the instructions
Clean hearing aids as instructed in the manual, especially the microphone, as it is the most sensitive part of the hearing aid. You also need to give special care to the other parts of the aid while cleaning the shell and the receiver.
In Summary
If you find it challenging to take care of the ear machine on your own, you can also get professional help. A professional will clean the hearing aids using vacuums with specialised attachments to suck wax accumulated in areas that are hard to reach.
Also, make sure to make follow-ups once you have done the hearing aid fittings. One should also avoid using a hearing aid that has cracks or holes and should consult an audiologist in that case.
Centre For Hearing® is a professional hearing care agency with 50+ clinics across India, including Delhi/NCR, Chandigarh, Maharashtra, Bihar, Jharkhand, and Punjab, and expert audiologists to treat hearing loss issues. We provide information, valuable resources, and a wide range of fully-equipped hearing aids to suit your needs.
Schedule your visit to your nearest centre today or use our helpline number +91 9811227269, to talk to our executive to know how we can help you with your hearing-related issues.
