It probably seems like a simple thing to care for your hearing aids. After all, you were most likely given a set of care instructions when you initially purchased your devices. The majority of hearing specialists will give you a step-by-step how-to when it comes to routine hearing aid maintenance. But it’s quite 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? What about my service schedule? How can I make my hearing aids last as long as possible?
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: Keep your hearing aids dry
Electronics usually don’t like wetness. 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 need to do things like the following:
- 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 very good place to store your hearing aids. And in order to keep track of your hearing aids, store them in the same spot 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.
- When you have your hearing aids in your ears, avoid using hair care products. When you’re going to use hair spray or gel, remove your hearing aids. Your hearing aid can really become gunked up from these kinds of products.
- Keep a dehumidifier running during those more humid months. Even inside, high humidity means your hearing aids could be more damp more often. And the fragile electronics inside of your device will be compromised. Prolonging hearing aid life might mean keeping that dehumidifier going.
Tip #2: Keep the earwax filters nice and clean
The human body naturally generates earwax in a healthy way. It’s also something that hearing aid makers recognize is going to happen. The majority of modern hearing aids have features that are created to manage a modest earwax production.
It’s up to you to be sure there isn’t too much earwax on your hearing aids. So make swapping out your wax guard, when needed, a regular part of your cleaning regimen. You can invest in and use 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 approximately once every month on the majority of models.
Tip #3: Keep your batteries charged and fresh
Your Hearing aids count on your batteries for power. Your hearing aid will last a lot longer if you keep your batteries fresh. So there are a few battery-care steps you can take:
- Don’t forget to turn off your hearing aids when you aren’t wearing them. This just drains the battery for, well, no good reason. For this reason, when you need your hearing aids the most, they may not be charged enough to function.
- Invest in a rechargeable hearing aid or a battery charger: This will save you a lot of money on wasted batteries.
- Keep all of the contact points on the battery clean and dry. If they are dirty or wet, you can use a clean, dry cloth to wipe them. This is yet another place in your device where moisture is the enemy.
Tip #4: Wash 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. Your hands (which you need to handle your hearing aids) could be covered in all sorts of offending substances. By design, hearing aids are very sensitive and probably won’t do well with things like crumbs.
It’s important that you don’t touch 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
It might feel like, once you have your hearing aids, you can leave your hearing specialist in the dust. But… this isn’t typically true. Here are several very good reasons why scheduling regular appointments with us is still relevant.:
- Keep track of the status of your hearing loss (making sure it isn’t progressing quicker than expected).
- To clean and maintain your hearing aids.
- To help you ensure your devices fit well.
When something breaks, what should you do?
Occasionally, something could go wrong (perhaps you accidentally step on them) despite your best effort. When this occurs, you should contact us as quickly as you can.
We will be able to help you repair your devices, or get a new set if necessary.
Want to talk to us about your next set of hearing aids? Set up an appointment today!
