It probably seems 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 guidelines, after all. With regard to routine hearing aid maintenance, the majority of hearing specialists will give you a step-by-step instruction tutorial. But it’s very likely that you may forget some of that information that you got all at once. So you still may be wondering, what should my cleaning routine look like? Or, how often should I have my hearing aid serviced? How can I get the most life from my hearing aids?
These five, simple-to-follow tips can help give you some answers, as well as easy ways to help in maintaining your hearing aids so they function better longer.
Tip #1: Keep your hearing aids dry
Electronics generally don’t do well with moisture. Hearing aids are somewhat water resistant but are by no means waterproof, so they should be kept as free from moisture as possible. Here are a few ways to do just that:
- Keep a dehumidifier going during those more humid months. When it’s really humid, your hearing aids can have more moisture than you would want even indoors. And that dampness can compromise the sensitive electronics inside. If you want to get the most longevity out of your hearing aid as possible, get that dehumidifier running!
- Avoid using hair products while your hearing aids are in. When you’re going to utilize hair spray or gel, remove your hearing aids. These kinds of products can really gunk up your devices.
- Store your hearing aids someplace cool and dry. Many individuals wonder what the best way to store hearing aids is. So the steamy bathroom isn’t going to be a great place to store your hearing aids. And in order to keep track of your hearing aids, keep them in the same place every day. Also, cats like to play with hearing aids and dogs will sometimes try to eat them, so don’t just leave them lying around.
Tip #2: Keep the earwax filters nice and clean
The human body normally produces earwax in a healthy way. Hearing aid manufacturers are well aware of this. Most contemporary hearing aids include features that are created to deal with a moderate earwax production.
It’s up to you to be sure there’s not too much earwax on your hearing aids. So make changing out your wax guard, when necessary, a routine part of your cleaning schedule. Depending on which model hearing aid you have, you can get specialized little tools for this and we can help you with that.
What is the replacement schedule for earwax guards? You will swap these wax guards about once every month on most models.
Tip #3: care for the batteries
Your Hearing aids depend on your batteries for power. The better your hearing aid batteries are, the longer your device will last. So there are several battery-care steps you can take:
- Remember to shut off your hearing aids when you aren’t using them. This just drains the battery for, well, no good reason. Consequently, when you most need your hearing aids, they might not be charged enough to function.
- Make sure all of the battery contacts and components are dry. If they are dirty or wet, you can make use of a clean, dry cloth to wipe them. This is yet another place in your device where moisture is the enemy.
- Get a battery charger or a rechargeable hearing aid: This will save you a lot of money on wasted batteries.
Tip #4: Clean your hands before handling your hearing aids
Your hearing aids are going to be in your ears most of the time. But they don’t get there on their own. You use your fingers to put your hearing aids in, and those fingers could contain all sorts of things (salt, maple syrup, Cheeto dust, and so on). By design, hearing aids are very sensitive and likely won’t do well with things like crumbs.
Generally, you should only touch your hearing aids with clean hands. So give your hands a quick clean before you need to take them out and handle them.
Tip #5 Keep us in the loop
You might assume that you won’t require any assistance from us once you’ve purchased your hearing aids. But… this isn’t usually true. Most people who have hearing loss will want to schedule routine appointments with us for the following reasons:
- To clean and maintain your hearing aids.
- To help make sure your devices fit well.
- Check the status of your hearing loss (making sure it’s not advancing quicker than expected).
What should you do when something breaks?
Sometimes, despite your best efforts, something goes wrong with your hearing aids (maybe you accidentally step on them). When this takes place, you should contact us as quickly as you can.
We will be able to help you fix your devices, or get a new set if necessary.
Make an appointment with us today to talk about your current or next pair of hearing aids.