When it comes to your hearing aids, it is very crucial to take good care of them, especially since they could be easily damaged due to carelessness. With that said, this guide should show you some of the do’s and don’ts when it comes to hearing aid maintenance and care.
Hearing aids can improve your quality of life by helping amplify sound, hearing better in all situations, and staying connected with the surrounding environment. Although they are tiny hearing-impaired devices, your hearing aids involve many intricate parts that require constant care and regular maintenance to operate properly for a longer period.
What to do:
Turn off your devices before going to bed.
It is very important to utilize the times when you are not using your hearing aid batteries. A perfect time for that is when going to sleep.
·aid To conserve the battery power, switch off your device. This will help in making the batteries last longer and reduce the time of having to change them often.
Open the battery door of the hearing aids every night to let the device air out and extend the life of the batteries.
If you have rechargeable hearing aid batteries, place them in the charging unit at night. If they are not rechargeable, you can test them with a digital battery tester and replace them before they run out.
Store your hearing aids in a safe place.
When removing your hearing aids, make sure you store them somewhere dry and cool. Store them in a hearing aid dehumidifier case. It is very important to keep them out of reach of pets and curious children.
Keep all of your follow-up appointments with your hearing healthcare providers or audiologists. This will help you to:
know if the device needs more professional help
clean your ears from earwax buildup
finely tune the hearing aids to meet your specific needs
determine if they need further maintenance or repair
Keep them away from moisture.
The moisture from extreme humidity or participation in rigorous exercise can harm your hearing aids. Any device that comes into contact with moisture should be put into a drying container to dry out any moisture that has been collected in the device.
Make sure to keep your hearing aids away from water, specifically from leaving them in the bathroom because they might cause damage if they are not put in a dry storage area.
Keep them clean regularly.
Hearing aid devices should stay clean all the time. Getting exposed to moisture, dust in the air, rain, sweat, or debris from earwax buildup can affect it negatively. That is why at-home maintenance is a must. When cleaning your device, follow these steps periodically:
Use a clean and dry cloth to wipe down the exterior of the hearing aid and its microphone.
Use a specialized wax removal brush or wax pick to clear out the excess earwax and debris.
Open the battery compartment periodically, remove the battery, and wipe the inside of the compartment with a clean and dry cloth.
Don’t use water, wet cleaning wipes, or any cleaning solution unless you know that they are specifically purposed for use with the hearing aid.
What NOT to do:
Don’t expose them to excessive heat.
Exposing them to heat is just as bad as exposing them to moisture. When hearing aids are exposed to heat, the devices, warp and expand, reaching the point where you cannot use them again. So next time you are going to have your hair styled or going to somewhere hot, remember to remove your device, just to protect it.
Do not insert your hearing aids before finishing your morning routine.
Your hearing aid device should be put after you have done with your makeup, perfumes, hairsprays, or blow-dryers. Putting the device before could potentially cause damage to it.
Don’t ignore the problems you face with your hearing aids.
When you face problems with your hearing aids, you should not ignore them. For the hearing aids to function properly, you should solve any issue you encounter. You should know that every problem is easily solvable from removing the earwax buildup to clearing the dust or debris, replacing the filter, or simply adjusting the tuning.
Don’t fix the problem yourself.
If you face any issue with your hearing aids, you should reach out to your hearing healthcare professional for assistance to get your hearing aids maintained.
Don’t wear your hearing aids while swimming and don’t let others wear them.
Your hearing aid device should always be taken care of if you want it to last. Understanding the dos and don’ts can help prolong the life and efficacy of your hearing aids.