It probably seems like a simple thing to care for your hearing aids. When you initially obtained your hearing aids, you probably got a set of care instructions, after all. In regard to routine hearing aid maintenance, most hearing specialists will give you a step-by-step instruction tutorial. Still, getting all of that information at once means you probably didn’t remember some of it. So you might still have questions like, how frequently should I clean my hearing aid? What about my service schedule? How can I get the most life from my hearing aids?
If you want to keep your hearing aids in tip-top working order, check out the following tips.
Tip #1: Keep your hearing aids dry
Moisture and electronics don’t really get along that well. Hearing aids are somewhat water resistant but are by no means waterproof, so they should be kept as free from moisture as possible. Beyond the obvious, this means you should do things like the following:
- Find a cool and dry place to keep your hearing aids when you aren’t using them. Understanding the best way to store your hearing aids can be a bit of a challenge for many individuals. Well, don’t, for instance, keep them in your bathroom (which gets really steamy at least once every day). And in order to keep track of your hearing aids, store them in the same place every day. Also, cats like to play with hearing aids and dogs will occasionally attempt to eat them, so don’t just leave them lying around.
- Avoid using hair products while you’re wearing your hearing aids. That is, take your hearing aids out before utilizing a lot of hair spray or hair gel. Your hearing aid can really become gunked up from these types of products.
- Keep a dehumidifier running during those more humid months. When it’s really humid, your hearing aids can have more dampness than you would want even inside. And the delicate electronics inside of your device can be damaged. Prolonging hearing aid life may mean keeping that dehumidifier going.
Tip #2: Keep the earwax filters nice and clean
Earwax production is a healthy and normal thing for the human body to do. It’s also something that hearing aid manufacturers know is going to happen. Consequently, most hearing aids are created to deal with a moderate amount of earwax.
It’s up to you to make sure there’s not too much earwax on your hearing aids. So make swapping out your wax guard, when necessary, a regular element of your cleaning schedule. You can invest in and utilize special cleaning tools for this, depending on your hearing aid model (ask us for recommendations here).
What is the replacement schedule for earwax guards? Well, for the majority of models, it will be around once every month or so.
Tip #3: Take care of the batteries
Your Hearing aids depend on your batteries for power. The better your hearing aid batteries are, the longer your device will last. The following are some tips for battery care:
- Remember to switch off your devices when you aren’t wearing them. This just drains the battery for, well, no good reason. And that means your hearing aids may stop working when you least want them to.
- Keep all of the contact points on the battery dry and clean. You can wipe them down 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: That way, you won’t be chucking batteries (and money) away again and again .
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 don’t get there on their own. Your hands (which you need to handle your hearing aids) could be covered in all kinds of offending materials. Your hearing aids are sensitive devices by design, so crumbs aren’t really very good for them.
It’s important that you don’t handle your hearing aids with dirty hands. So before you put in or take out your hearing aids, give your hands a quick wash.
Tip #5 Keep us in the loop
You may presume that you won’t need any help from us once you’ve purchased your hearing aids. Typically, though, this isn’t the situation. Most individuals with hearing loss will want to make regular appointments with us for the following reasons:
- To help you ensure your devices fit well.
- Keep track of the status of your hearing loss (making certain it isn’t advancing quicker than expected).
- Cleaning and maintenance.
What should you do when something breaks?
Occasionally, something could go wrong (perhaps you accidentally step on them) despite your best effort. When this takes place, you should get in touch with us as quickly as possible.
We will be able to help you fix your devices, or get a new set if needed.
Want to talk to us about your next pair of hearing aids? Schedule an appointment today!
