It probably feels like a simple thing to take care of your hearing aids. When you initially obtained your hearing aids, you probably got a set of care instructions, after all. The majority of hearing specialists will give you a step-by-step how-to in regard to regular hearing aid maintenance. But it’s very likely that you might forget some of that information that you got all at once. So you may still have questions like, how often should I clean my hearing aid? How about my service schedule? How can I make my hearing aids last as long as I can?
These five, easy-to-follow tips can help provide some answers, as well as simple ways to help in taking care of your hearing aids so they function better longer.
Tip #1: Try not to let your hearing aids get wet
Moisture and electronics don’t really get along that well. Although your hearing aids might offer a certain level of water resistance, you typically want to keep moisture away from them. Here are several ways to do just that:
- Find a dry and cool place to store your hearing aids when you aren’t using them. Knowing the best way to store your hearing aids can be somewhat of a challenge for lots of people. Well, don’t, for example, store them in your bathroom (which gets nice and steamy at least once every day). It also helps to store them in the same spot every day so you aren’t wondering where you put them. By the same token, don’t leave your hearing aids just lying around, dogs love to eat them and cats like to play with them!
- When it’s humid outside, run a dehumidifier. Even inside, high humidity means your hearing aids might be more damp more frequently. And that moisture can compromise the delicate electronics inside. If you want to get the most longevity out of your hearing aid as possible, get that dehumidifier going!
- Don’t use hair products while you’re wearing your hearing aids. That is, remove your hearing aids before utilizing a lot of hair spray or hair gel. These types of products can really gunk up your devices.
Tip #2: Keep the earwax filters nice and clean
The human body normally generates earwax in a healthy way. Hearing aid makers are well aware of this. As a result, most hearing aids are designed to deal with a moderate amount of earwax.
It’s up to you to be sure there isn’t too much earwax on your hearing aids. This means checking and replacing the wax guards when needed (and making that an element of your hearing aid cleaning routine). You can purchase and utilize specialized cleaning tools for this, depending on your hearing aid model (ask us for guidance here).
What is the replacement schedule for earwax guards? You will change these wax guards around once every month on most models.
Tip #3: Keep your batteries charged and fresh
Your batteries keep your hearing aids working. Your hearing aid will last a lot longer if you keep your batteries fresh. So there are several battery-care steps you can take:
- Keep all of the contact points on the battery clean and dry. You can wipe them with a clean cloth if they aren’t. This is yet another place in your device where moisture is the enemy.
- Invest in a rechargeable hearing aid or a battery charger: This will save you a lot of money on wasted batteries.
- Remember to switch off your devices when you aren’t using them. This just kills the battery for, well, no good reason. And that means your hearing aids could quit working when you least want them to.
Tip #4: Only use clean hands to handle your devices
Your hearing aids are going to be in your ears most of the time. But they depend on you to put them in. Your hands (which you need to handle your hearing aids) could be covered in all kinds of offending substances. By design, hearing aids are very sensitive and likely won’t do well with things like crumbs.
It’s essential that you don’t handle your hearing aids with dirty hands. So give your hands a quick wash before you have to take them out and handle them.
Tip #5 Keep us in the loop
You may presume that you won’t require any help from us once you’ve purchased your hearing aids. But… this isn’t usually correct. Most individuals who have hearing loss will want to schedule regular appointments with us for the following reasons:
- To clean and maintain your hearing aids.
- To track and monitor the advancement of your hearing loss.
- To help you ensure your devices fit well.
When something breaks, what should you do?
Occasionally, something could go wrong (maybe you accidentally step on them) in spite of your best effort. You should contact us as soon as you can in situations such as this.
We will be able to help you repair your devices, or get new ones if necessary.
Schedule an appointment with us today to discuss your current or next set of hearing aids.