Care For Your Hearing Aids

Woman putting on her hearing aid over the couch in case she drops it.

How would you deal with it if your hearing aid quit working at the worst possible moment. Like when you’re in a crucial meeting.

That’s not something anyone wants! Your hearing aids are an important investment in your hearing, happiness, and general health. You will get the greatest possible advantage from your hearing aids if you keep them working at maximum condition.

You can correctly care for your hearing aids and keep them working in top condition by implementing these 7 tips.

1. Understand The Instructions

The most beneficial results will be achieved when you utilize the manual that came with your hearing aids. These manuals normally include troubleshooting guides that will help you solve many technical challenges.

Always check out the manual first if something isn’t working correctly.

Any issues involving the performance of your hearing aid should be addressed in the manual. Modern hearing aids work differently than the older models so even if you’ve had hearing aids before this is important. Obviously, hearing aid technology has progressed considerably in recent years.

2. Clean Your Hearing Aids

Hearing aids can provide a breeding ground for bacteria.

If you fail to clean and disinfect your hearing aids and wash your hands before you handle them, an ear infection can be the result.

Further hearing problems can be the result of an ear infection. Most are temporary, but some can cause lasting damage.

Bacteria like moist surfaces, so clean each hearing aid with a dry cloth before and after every use. You should never put your hearing aids in water. Being careful not to get them too wet, use an alcohol-free wet wipe to clean and disinfect.

Once a week, clean the hearing aid and any custom mold pieces completely.

The earpiece will be free of any wax buildup with frequent cleaning.

3. Don’t Let Your Hearing Aids Get Wet

Getting wet is not something that most hearing aids are made to do. Even high humidity can damage them. Don’t leave them on the nightstand after cleaning.

Hearing aids will gather dust which has bacteria if they are left sitting on an open surface.

Store your hearing aids in a cool, dry place as outlined by the manufacturer’s guidelines. Remember to take them out before you shower or take a bath. Moisture is still present in the air when you shower, so don’t put them on the bathroom counter when getting ready.

Bring an umbrella with you if it’s raining.

Always keep your charger with you because your battery could drain faster if there’s moisture in the air.

Heat can also cause damage to hearing aids, so don’t expose them to a sauna, blow dryer, or other extreme heat.

4. Keep The Battery Charged

Don’t get caught without a spare battery at your child’s concert.

Turn your hearing aids completely off before you go to bed. If you plan on not wearing them for an extended period of time, always remove the battery. If you allow your hearing aids to sit for long time periods with the battery in them, the life of the battery can be diminished and their delicate electronics can be harmed by battery acid.

The life of your battery can be significantly lengthened by following these recommendations but it doesn’t hurt to bring a spare along, just in case.

5. Have Your Ears Professionally Cleaned

A little bit of wax is pushed into your ear canal every time you insert your hearing aid. Voices will eventually start to sound muted as this earwax accumulates. If your hearing experience doesn’t seem right, schedule an appointment with a hearing specialist to check for excessive earwax buildup.

The removal process is simple with the correct tools. It should only be performed by a trained professional with the expertise to service and care for your hearing aids.

6. Put in Your Hearing Aids Above a Soft Surface

Don’t risk dropping your hearing aids in the toilet or sink. Dropping and damaging your hearing aid becomes a realistic possibility in this scenario. Over a bed, couch, or soft folded towel would be a suitable place to insert them.

7. If You Aren’t Experiencing Improved Hearing, Contact a Specialist

You need to continue to wear your hearing aids even if you aren’t currently having the best success. Your situation can be enhanced. Make an appointment to come see us for an exam.

The site information is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. To receive personalized advice or treatment, schedule an appointment.