Using a stick to get around 365
Cleaning
• Use a soft dry cloth to clean it. Never use any cleaning fluid.
Ear mold
• Check for wax in the ear mold regularly.
• Clean the ear mold with warm water, and make sure it is dry before using it again.
Battery
• To make the battery last longer, turn off the hearing aid when it is not being used.
• Keep the battery clean, and remove it when the hearing aid is not being used for
a length of time—for example, while sleeping at night.
• Change the battery regularly. To check if it is time to change the battery, turn the
sound to the highest setting. If it makes a whistling noise, the battery is okay.
If not, it is time to get a new battery. Ask someone to help you if necessary. If
the battery loses power faster than usual, it may be a sign of a problem with the
hearing aid.
• Store batteries in a cool, dry place. Bring a battery that has been kept in the
refrigerator to room temperature before using.
• Try to have the hearing aid checked at a hearing aid clinic or store from time
to time.
Hearing aids may need repair. Usually hearing aid repair can be done only
in big cities. But deaf organizations have started training deaf people to take ear
impressions, to make ear molds, and to repair hearing aids.
Using a stick to get around
If you are blind or have difficulty seeing, using a stick to get around can
give you confidence, especially for walking in places you are not familiar
with. The longer the stick, the faster you will be able to walk, because
the stick will help you feel the area ahead of your steps.
The stick should be made from wood that is strong, but not too
heavy or thick, so it is easy to carry all day. The top of the stick, where
you hold it, should be thicker and can be curved or straight. You can
also attach a cord to the handle that will fit loosely around your wrist.
This will help prevent the stick from getting dropped or lost.
Each day, before leaving home, check your stick for any breaks
or cracks by feeling along the whole length. Ask someone to help
The best length for a stick is
one that reaches from the
ground to halfway between
if necessary.
your waist and shoulders.
A Health Handbook for Women with Disabilities 2007