How to care and use a hearing aid?
The hearing aid is an electronic sound reinforcing device that is inserted into the ear to amplify sounds when hearing is impaired. The device does not restore hearing, but allows you to improve it. By type of device is divided:
- behind the ear;
- in-ear;
- pocket;
- implantable.
The device can be produced in an ear rim or in the form of a headband.
Modern hearing aids consist of a mini microphone that receives sound, converts it into a signal and sends it to the receiver. Conductivity signal device is divided:
- Bone - is used only for severe hearing loss.
- Airy - used for partial hearing loss. Selected and configured by an audiologist.
A behind-the-ear hearing aid is installed behind the ear. It consists of a durable plastic or metal case and modern electronics. Amplified sound enters through the earbud of the device into the eardrum. An insert is made for each patient individually.
The intra-aural apparatus completely repeats the anatomical shape of the auricle. The device is not noticeable when worn, which makes it popular among hearing impaired people.
How to use a hearing aid?
With proper use and care, the device will last long enough, for this you need to follow simple rules:
- Store the device in a dry and cool place, having previously put it in the case.
- Hide the device from children and animals.
- Protect the device from moisture and high temperatures.
- Before taking a shower, bathing in a pond to remove the ear.
- When not in use, turn off the device.
- Keep your hair and skin clean.
- Remove the device while resting, undergoing tomography, x-ray.
- Disassembling and assembling the device yourself is not recommended. This may cause it to malfunction.
- It is impossible to wipe the device with alcohol and rinse with water, this adversely affects its operation.
To start using the device, a certain algorithm of actions is performed:
- Open the battery compartment in the unit and remove the protective film.
- Install batteries according to polarity.
- Close the compartment.
- Turn on the device.
- To turn off the device, open the battery compartment.
The earloop should be handled with care, avoiding mechanical damage associated with inaccurate handling and dropping on a hard surface.
How to care for a modern hearing aid?
For the device to work normally for a long time, you must:
- After use, place the device in a container with the drying capsule, first opening the battery compartment and removing the insert.
- The lid of the container is tightly closed, leaving the device in it for the night. The capsule is valid until its indicator turns white.
- Also, to dry the device, you can use a special electrical device with which drying and sterilization are carried out under the influence of ultraviolet radiation.
- For modern hearing aids placed in the ear canal, more thorough daily care is performed. Each time, removing the device from the ear, the earwax that has accumulated near the ventilation, microphone or sound compartment is cleaned. For cleaning use a special brush. To prevent sulfur from entering the device, it has a special filter.
- If the device began to turn off, the batteries are replaced. The filter to protect the device from sulfur is changed independently once every 14 days. It is important if the device is not used, then you need to open the battery compartment, for ventilation.
The insert is an important element of the device. For its cleaning, special disinfectants are used. After cleaning, the liner is placed on a soft, clean cloth, where it is located, until the next use.