Hearing aids are fragile devices that need a great deal of attention to work optimally for long periods of time. If the wearer is a child, the care requirements are even higher. Kids are more reckless, and likelier to drop or even lose their hearing aid, but by adopting a preventive care and maintenance regimen and making your child part of it, you can increase the devices’ lifespan and trim their chances of malfunctioning. Read on for a few useful tips for caring for your child’s hearing aids.
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Educate your child about hearing loss and hearing aids
Your child probably doesn’t understand the magnitude of their condition and the true significance of hearing aids. You want to ensure they know how these devices work and why taking care of them is key to their proper functioning. You can book a consultation with a hearing aid specialist or download this free information pack from Helix Hearing Care. The bottom line is to get the child on the same wavelength as you regarding the value of their hearing aids.
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Keep them away from moisture
Hearing aids are the product of some of the most advanced technologies, and there is an absurd amount of circuitry stuffed in that shell. Moisture can cause potentially irreversible damage to them. While many modern hearing aids are water-resistant, they still need to be kept away from the water for good measure. If they do come into contact with moisture, use a towel to dry them, not a heated device such as a hairdryer.
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Change the batteries
The functioning of your child’s hearing aids partly depends on the health of the batteries beneath. Consider replacing them weekly or biweekly, depending on how often the hearing aids are used. When the child goes several days without using the devices, consider removing the batteries. Wipe the battery contacts with a cotton swab before reattaching or replacing the batteries.
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Pay attention to earwax buildup
Believe it or not, nothing reduces hearing aid performance quite as much as earwax buildup. Unfortunately, there is no way to prevent the devices from touching wax. This means you have to clean them at the end of each day they are worn. You should also consider replacing the wax guard or filter to prevent the earwax from getting inside the shells and touching the electronic parts.
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Schedule routine cleaning appointment
While your at-home care routine will sure improve the lifespan of your child’s hearing aids, it may still not completely curb premature deterioration. Find a hearing aid specialist that you can entrust with the professional care of the devices. Develop a schedule and follow it even when the aids seem to be in perfect shape. Just like a mechanic with a car, your hearing health professional may spot something that was not apparent to you and find a way to stop it before it gets worse.
Endnote
Hearing aids are a widespread form of hearing loss treatment, and that is the case because they work. These care tips should help you get the most out of your child’s hearing aids, ward off permanent damage, and slow down deterioration.
